In northwestern Saudi Arabia, a futuristic logistics hub is taking shape. The Port of NEOM is envisioned as an ultra-modern gateway designed to power the Kingdom’s economic ambitions. NEOM, formerly known as Duba Port and handed to NEOM in 2022 as an independent entity, is currently building an automated container terminal that forms the backbone of this transformation. With the arrival of its first fully automated cranes, this vision is no longer just a concept—it is a work in progress, and an ambitious one at that. Melissa Blake, Director of Operations at Port of NEOM, recently spoke to WorldCargo News about how the project is unfolding, and how its mix of automation and local talent is shaping the logistics ecosystem of the future.
Taking shape
In May, the port took delivery of three STS cranes and four electric RTGs (eRTGs) from ZPMC, all remote-controlled and automated a first for Saudi Arabia. The delivery is part of a wider equipment rollout comprising 10 STS cranes and 30 eRTGs, which will also be supplied by ZPMC. Of these, six STS cranes and 16 eRTGs are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with the remainder arriving in early 2026.
The cranes will be deployed at the port’s automated Terminal 1, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2026. Key infrastructure milestones have already been completed, including the construction of a 900m quay wall and the deepening of the access channel to 18.5m, enabling the berthing of some of the world’s largest container vessels.
The automated crane operations will be coordinated by a Fleet Management System (FMS) integrated with the Terminal Operating System (TOS), enabling continuous optimisation through machine learning.
“The full STS crane fleet will play a key role in the port’s automation strategy – enhancing container handling, reducing vessel turnaround times, and supporting the development of a high-throughput terminal,” Blake said. “The port’s automation strategy spans every layer of operations—from electric equipment and AI-powered energy systems to digital twin platforms, predictive maintenance, and autonomous handling solutions.”
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Rethinking workforce roles
The remote-control capability of the cranes marks a shift in workforce dynamics at the port, supporting a “future-ready workforce model.” In a first for the region, Port of NEOM has launched an all-female crane operator development programme, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and workforce.
Ten women from the Tabuk region are undergoing a two-year programme that combines classroom theory with on-site training. The initial six months were spent at the Saudi Logistics Academy in Jeddah, covering fundamental port operations. “Trainees were assessed regularly to measure comprehension, skill acquisition, and readiness for field deployment,” Blake noted.
Stage two, which started in May, is more hands-on and consists of on-the-job training at the port, where trainees work with automated systems and technology platforms. This includes running configuration and integration tests to identify system bugs, thus building internal capability for long-term system management. The Port of NEOM has also invested in two state-of-the-art simulators, allowing participants to engage in realistic operational scenarios for remote crane control and developing decision-making skills under varying conditions.
“To support a culture of continuous learning, each training module concludes with a formal proficiency assessment. Any skill gaps identified are addressed through supplemental instruction, ensuring that development remains ongoing and performance is consistently reinforced,” Blake added.
Production Specialists
The port describes the roles of its remote crane operators as “Production Specialists”, highlighting that their responsibilities go far beyond simply handling exceptions. According to Blake, Production Specialists are central to the success of remote-controlled and autonomous terminal operations. They oversee day-to-day equipment performance, conduct system testing, and intervene manually when necessary to maintain uninterrupted operation.
The Production Specialists are being trained to operate both STS and eRTG equipment, allowing the port to maintain a flexible operator pool. The remote-control desks in the control room can seamlessly switch between equipment types, enabling the port to allocate operators based on operational demands, rather than maintaining separate dedicated teams.
“Our ambition is for a single Production Specialist to supervise more than one STS crane, similar to existing models used with eRTGs. We are exploring different operational models to ensure we can scale efficiently while maintaining reliability and safety,” Blake said.
Achieving a balance
NEOM expects the balance between automation and human oversight to evolve as the terminal progresses. Blake said that in the early stages, when the terminal is ramping up and systems are being configured and tested, “highly trained Production Specialists are positioned at the core of operations” in verifying system readiness. “This close interaction between human expertise and automated systems ensures stability, precision, and responsiveness as operations scale,” she highlighted.
Over the long term the port intends to maintain skilled human oversight embedded throughout all levels of automation. Production Specialists will monitor performance, manage complex operational scenarios, and support continuous improvement efforts. “By integrating people and technology from the ground up,” Blake said, “Port of NEOM is setting a new global standard for safe, intelligent, and resilient terminal operations, ensuring that as automation advances, the workforce evolves alongside it.”
