Master Plan Update for Aqaba Port

Challenge

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is a cornerstone of Jordan’s transport and trade landscape. Established in 2001, the zone expands beyond the former Aqaba Free Port to encompass 375 km² at the northern tip of the Red Sea, positioning itself as a dynamic hub for tourism, logistics, and value-added industries in the Middle East. As Jordan’s only seaport, Aqaba serves as the nation’s primary gateway for imports, exports, and regional transit, driving national growth and connectivity. To strengthen ASEZ’s role amid evolving global trade demands, the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) commissioned HPC, together with Dar Al Omran, to update and enhance the existing Port Master Plans. The joint team assessed market developments, capacity needs, and future growth potential—delivering strategic recommendations to ensure the port’s terminals remain efficient, competitive, and ready for tomorrow’s trade volumes.

Tasks Performed

• Review of recent terminal development plans
• Analysis of current regional market trends and cargo flows
• Assessment of existing terminal capacities against projected volumes
• Determination of required capacity expansions to meet future demand
• Development of alternative terminal layouts and equipment concepts
• Quantification of capacity gains for proposed development options
• Estimation of investment requirements for the recommended measures

Benefit

HPC’s strategic master plan update empowered ADC to optimise port capacities, enhance competitiveness, and ensure Aqaba’s readiness to handle future trade growth and regional logistics demands.