Dammam, Jeddah Ports Boost Cargo with Automation

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Jeddah Islamic Port are handling stronger cargo activity, supported by highly automated container terminals and digitised customs processes that speed up gate and yard operations for shippers, freight forwarders, and importers across the Kingdom.

The two ports now run advanced terminal operating systems, remote crane control, private 5G networks, IoT cargo tracking, and AI-based cargo tallying. At Jeddah Islamic Port's newly expanded terminal, smart systems and full digitalisation of gate processes have cut the time for a single gate transaction from about two minutes to around 10 seconds.

Both ports use a Port Community System integrated with the customs data exchange platform, allowing real-time sharing of vessel, cargo, terminal, and declaration status. Commercial cargo is cleared through the Fasah platform, with 100% digital submission of declarations and documents and pre-arrival clearance available for compliant importers.

What it means for costs

Declaration-related fees paid through Fasah include tiered charges based on goods value, plus fixed items such as SAR 5 SAR 5 SAR 5 and SAR 5 A Customs Declaration Fees Inquiry e-service lets users review all charges due on a specific declaration after logging into the customs e-services and Fasah.

For typical commercial imports, cost elements include customs duty of around 5% of CIF value for many goods, VAT at 15% on most imports (with reduced or zero rates for some medical and educational items), and port service fees roughly in the range of SAR 50 to 500 For the business community, faster processing and clearer digital procedures mean shorter waiting times, more predictable supply chains, and lower overall handling costs.

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