SPARK signs concession deal with Hutchison Ports to operate its Dry Port

King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), the Saudi-based leading industrial ecosystem,  and Hutchison Ports have signed the concession agreement to manage and operate SPARK’s dry port and bonded logistics zone (Dry Port).

The concession was awarded to a newly established joint venture, Energy City Logistics Company (ECLC), between SPARK and Color Path Holdings Limited, a Hutchison Ports company. A signing ceremony was held to commemorate the special occasion, and it was attended by senior management from both companies.

“The Dry Port is one of the key enablers for SPARK’s ecosystem. The signing of the concession agreement marks an important milestone for the Dry Port moving to the operational readiness phase. ECLC will be ready for SPARK tenants from day one with integrated logistics solutions and efficient services, so they can focus on their productivity and value creation activities.”

Under the concession, ECLC will be an exclusive operator of a $400 million state-of-the-art logistics facility in SPARK. The new facility will provide services for handling containers, breakbulk and project cargo, storage yards, warehousing, customs clearance, bonded and non-bonded logistics solutions tailored to the needs of the SPARK energy ecosystem. The Dry Port will accelerate the Eastern Province’s development as a regional logistics powerhouse with the integration of future GCC rail links, GCC highways and multiple expressways connected to the SPARK site.

Mr. Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Ports, said that “We are very pleased to participate in this mega project and contribute to the success of the Saudi Vision 2030 of developing the Kingdom into a global logistics hub. This partnership represents Hutchison Ports’ continued commitment to the Kingdom, and we look forward to a fruitful partnership with future business opportunities.”

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