Today, a significant reform in Israel's seaports was signed off in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Transportation and Road Safety Miri Regev, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, and Minister of Regional Cooperation Ofir Akunis. The reform aims to improve service in the ports, increase the rate of cargo handling, strengthen the economy, and reduce the cost of living for all Israeli citizens.
The new arrangement will contribute to easing congestion in the ports by opening additional berths that will reduce waiting times and increase the rate of unloading. The increase in competitiveness is done in a balanced manner while maintaining the resilience and stability of the port industry, as well as preserving Ashdod Port as a national port owned by the state in order to protect the national and strategic interests of the State of Israel.
The new arrangement provides a comprehensive solution to the congestion expected to face the ports, both in general cargo handling and in container reception. This move is a vital and necessary step given the fact that Israel is an 'island state' where 99% of its import and export volume passes through seaports.
The arrangement includes specific steps for each port, according to its characteristics and needs, in order to allow each of them to compete with the other ports under fair conditions.
Additional areas will be allocated to Haifa Port for logistical and commercial needs. The concessions and regulatory adjustments in the port's activity will be expanded to provide the port with the means necessary to provide the best service.
The Bay Port will be given permission to use two berths (7-8) that will handle general and bulk cargo. The permission will respond to the demands and infrastructure needs of the State of Israel, assist in reducing congestion in the ports, and reduce the waiting time for unloading cargo. Berths 7-8 were approved for operation for general and bulk cargo, with a maximum unloading volume of up to 750,000 tons for each type of cargo per calendar year. Unloading restrictions can be removed in the case of more than 30 waiting ships. The approval was given until the end of 2031.
The South Port was given permission to use berth 28 that will respond to general and bulk cargo, the permission will assist in reducing congestion in the ports and reduce the waiting time for unloading cargo. Berth 28 was approved for operation for general and bulk cargo, with a maximum unloading volume of up to 750,000 tons for each type of cargo per calendar year. Unloading restrictions can be removed in the case of more than 30 waiting ships. The approval is valid until the end of 2031.
Ashdod Port was given permission to use an area of 40 dunams in the area of berth 25 for 6 years.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: 'Today we are launching a real revolution in our maritime transport infrastructure, aimed at reducing the cost of living, improving service and strengthening the economy - for all Israeli citizens. Today, more than ever, we understand the importance of maintaining continuity and functional independence at Israel's main trade gates. The war taught us how critical it is for the State of Israel to hold its strategic assets in its hands, including a national port, so that even in times of emergency we have a stable and ready-to-operate back. Therefore, I decided that Ashdod Port will continue to serve as our national port, a symbol of national resilience and the ability to continue functioning in any situation. I am committed to continue strengthening competitiveness and efficiency in the ports, but without giving up our independence and national security. I would like to thank the Director General of my office Moshe Ben-Zaken, the Ministry of Finance, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his team, Minister Ofir Akunis and his team, Chairman of the Economic Committee David Bitan, the General Federation and the National Federation, the Chairman of the National Infrastructure Committee and the Chief of Staff for a challenging year at the end of which we brought great news to the residents of Israel.'
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: 'Only competition will bring relief in the cost of living. Today we are taking another important step in the port competition reform led by Minister Israel Katz in his role as Minister of Transportation, in order to streamline the work of the ports, increase competition, reduce import and export costs and prices for Israeli citizens. We are opening additional berths, removing restrictions imposed on the operation of the new ports, and in fact allowing all ports to compete for all types of cargo. By doing so, we are forcing them to be cheaper and more efficient and to reduce the cost of living for Israeli citizens. I thank Minister Miri Regev and Minister Ofir Akunis and all the professionals in the various bodies and ports for their cooperation in promoting the reform.'
The President of the Manufacturers Association congratulated the opening of the berths.
The President of the Manufacturers Association, Dr. Ron Tomer, today (Sunday) congratulated the announcement of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transportation that they have signed the order instructing to open new berths for unloading at the ports of Israel. 'We are pleased that following the long and stubborn struggle led by the Manufacturers Association, today we were informed that it was decided to sign the order to open the berths, which is expected to significantly reduce the bottleneck in the ports. It is inconceivable that national infrastructures that were established with an investment of billions of shekels from public funds will not be fully utilized. Opening the berths is a necessary step to improve efficiency in the ports, increase competition and reduce costs for manufacturers and consumers in Israel,' said the President of the Association. According to him, 'We are committed to ensuring that the port infrastructures operate optimally so that the berth waits for the ship and not the other way around. This is an important move that will increase the efficiency of the economy, ease the local industry and contribute to the resilience of the Israeli economy in this challenging period.'
Tomer added that 'We hope that the completion of the recovery in the north and south will lead to the expansion of maritime activity and the arrival of more cargo to Israel. I congratulate the ministers Smotrich, Akunis and MK Bitan who were committed to our request to promote this move against all obstacles and delays. This is a correct and necessary move, and we congratulate its promotion for the benefit of the entire economy and the Israeli industry.'
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