Lifting the Future: The People and Technology Powering Port of NEOM
This is the first in a series of articles documenting the dynamic progress of Port of NEOM, called Lifting the Future. The series reveals the vision and purpose of this formidable logistics port, particularly through the human lens.
Recently at Port of NEOM, both a significant milestone was reached, and an important societal marker was laid down.
The former: the arrival of the most advanced remote-controlled cranes from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries.
The latter: the commencement of on-the-ground training for the ten young Saudi women who will operate this equipment.
Together, these events signal an accelerated leap forward in the transformative gameplan of Port of NEOM and the ambition of Saudi Vision 2030 itself, where technological innovation and human potential share equal billing.
A new future for logistics hubs
The imposing sight of these giant new cranes arriving in the Kingdom heralds a defining moment in the development of Port of NEOM. For this is the first evidence of a commitment to deliver global trade practices which are cleaner, faster and can be executed with greater precision.
Although these goals will be attainable to a large extent because of automation, this doesn’t mean machinery will replace people. It means people’s roles will be redefined. Which is precisely where the Product Specialist training for our ten trailblazing Saudi women comes in. The program is run by the Saudi Logistics Academy, the internationally accredited under-, and postgraduate institution in Jeddah.
Not only are our future remote crane operators proudly Saudi, but they’re also from Tabuk Province; NEOM’s locale.
“These cranes and the Saudi talent training to operate them represent more than operational progress,” said Sean Kelly, Managing Director at Port of NEOM. “They symbolize how we’re reshaping the logistics sector by investing in both automation and people to build a smarter, more inclusive trade gateway for the region.”
More than a story; a new threshold
Lifting the Future affords the world a first look at next generation industry and automation in the workplace at Port of NEOM. And the students who are recalibrating the dreams of young women everywhere. In the coming weeks, we’ll share their stories and take a deeper dive into the culture of innovation and sustainability at this new terminal.
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🔗 Follow along for updates and start by exploring the tech powering this shift → Lifting the Future: Understanding Crane Automation as We Prepare for a Next-Generation Container Terminal, at Port of NEOM
Business Development Manager @ Golden Anchor Waves Shipping Company | Networking, Managing Logistics services such as Multimodal Transport, Shipping, Supply Chain, Courier, E-Commerce, and Freight Forwarding for Clients.
1moHello,I was surfing on LinkedIn and came across your profile, which impressed me very much 💯 . I would be happy to welcome you to my page as well. Sincerely, Amir Mohamad Ghahremanian 😉 Klagenfurt Austria
Seasoned leader with a track record of IT transformations | Building secure, compliant, and resilient environments across the UK, Europe, Africa & USA | I help global organisations turn Service into strategic advantage.
3moThis is the kind of future-forward storytelling we need more of! ⚙️🌊 "Lifting the Future" is not just a great title. It’s a powerful vision. Love seeing how innovation and inclusion are being woven together at Port of NEOM. Remote-controlled cranes + empowered Saudi women in high-tech roles? That’s what transformation looks like in real time. Excited to follow this journey and see how you’re reimagining ports for the next generation. 🚢💡👩💻 #FutureOfPorts #InnovationInMotion #NEOMTransformation #ShegunSucceeds
Civil Engineer | Project Engineer | Project Manager | Mega & Government Projects | PMP®, RMP®, P3O® | Vision 2030 Focused | Makkah & Jeddah
3moThis is truly inspiring! The integration of cutting-edge automation technology alongside empowering Saudi women in high-tech leadership roles perfectly embodies the vision of a smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive future. Port of NEOM is setting a remarkable example of how innovation and diversity can drive transformational change in the maritime industry. Looking forward to following this exciting journey and the impactful stories ahead.