According to Arab News, the Saudi Arabian Ports Authority has announced that the commercial ports are now ready to receive cement and clinker. The announcement follows King Abdullah s decree last month, which ordered the import of 10 million tpa of cement. The supply aims to meet rising demand for the building material, which has been boosted by infrastructure and construction works. The Ports Authority has allocated temporary storage space and a total of 17 docking stations for handling cement and clinker across the ports in Jeddah, Dammam, Jubail, Yanbu, Dhuba and Jazan. All handling equipment and processes will meet environmental requirements.
The Ports Authority has also announced that it has formed an agreement with Yanbu Cement company for the import of clinker.
Elsewhere in the region, Najran Cement Co. has signed a 3-year contract with China s CEIC for the operation and maintenance of its third production line, which will have a capacity of 7000 tpd. Trial operations are expected to commence in 3Q13.
