Shipping Arabia, November 9, 2026 – Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) has appointed KPMG in Kuwait to lead the development of a new strategic plan aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, connectivity and operational performance of the country’s commercial ports. The initiative will establish a development framework to support Kuwait’s position within regional and global shipping networks.
The appointment was awarded under Tender No. 3/2025/2026, with KPMG serving as the lead strategic consultant. The firm will work alongside Haskoning Nederland B.V. and Dar Gulf Consult for Engineering Consultancy, which will provide specialized engineering consultancy expertise.
KPMG will integrate the contributions of the three firms into a unified strategic plan. Its responsibilities include leading market, commercial and organizational analyses, developing strategic priorities and overseeing the framework for implementation.
The assignment also supports Kuwait’s broader economic diversification objectives and its Vision 2035 ambition to become a regional center for trade and logistics.
Kuwait Ports Authority Strategic Plan to Cover Development and Implementation
The Kuwait Ports Authority strategic plan will comprise two complementary workstreams covering strategic development, implementation planning and long-term technical support.
The first workstream will focus on assessing KPA’s current market position and operational performance. This assessment will provide the foundation for identifying strategic options and establishing a roadmap for future development.
Based on the selected strategic priorities and implementation roadmap, the consulting team will prepare detailed plans covering the authority’s different areas of operation. These plans will incorporate key performance indicators (KPIs), a risk management framework and a structured monitoring mechanism.
The approach aims to connect strategic objectives with practical implementation requirements and measurable performance outcomes.
KPMG will coordinate the strategic and analytical components of the assignment while incorporating the engineering expertise of Haskoning Nederland B.V. and Dar Gulf Consult. The combined work will form the basis of the authority’s unified development strategy.
Dedicated Technical Support Office to Operate for 36 Months
The second workstream will establish a dedicated Strategic Technical Support Office, which will operate for 36 months under KPMG’s leadership.
The office will provide ongoing strategic oversight, technical advisory services and integrated project management support to Kuwait Ports Authority.
Its responsibilities will include supporting the authority as it translates strategic priorities into projects, operational decisions and measurable results.
Imran Shaik, Associate Partner and Head of Government and Infrastructure Advisory Services at KPMG in Kuwait, emphasized that connecting planning with implementation represents a central element of the assignment.
He said KPA has clear ambitions for the future of Kuwait’s ports. KPMG will work with Haskoning and Dar Gulf Consult to transform those ambitions into an actionable strategy.
Shaik also highlighted the importance of the dedicated technical support office, which will work closely with the authority’s teams throughout the implementation process.
This structure will provide KPA with technical and strategic support beyond the initial planning phase, helping maintain coordination between the strategy and its execution.
Regional Port Competition and Kuwait’s Position in Global Shipping Networks
The new strategy will also examine Kuwait Ports Authority’s competitive position within the regional port sector, where competition among Gulf countries continues to intensify.
Sameer Bhatnagar, Partner and Global Head of Ports at KPMG, highlighted the competitive environment facing ports across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
He noted that GCC ports compete extensively in terms of handling capacity, transport network connectivity and service quality. Against this backdrop, he identified an opportunity for Kuwait to strengthen its position within global shipping networks.
Bhatnagar said KPMG would draw on its experience working with more than 50 global and regional organizations in the maritime sector. The firm intends to apply international best practices while developing a strategy tailored to Kuwait’s specific requirements.
The competitive assessment will form part of the broader strategic planning process, which seeks to improve the performance and connectivity of Kuwait’s commercial ports.
By examining market conditions and the authority’s existing capabilities, the assignment will help establish strategic priorities within an increasingly competitive regional maritime environment.
Supporting Kuwait Vision 2035 and Economic Diversification
Dr. Rasheed Al Qenae, Managing Partner of KPMG in Kuwait, emphasized the role of Kuwait’s ports in supporting national economic diversification.
He said the maritime and port sector is central to Kuwait Vision 2035 and the country’s ambition to develop into a regional trade and logistics hub.
Al Qenae welcomed the confidence placed in KPMG by Kuwait Ports Authority. He described the appointment as a reflection of the firm’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s public sector and institutions involved in shaping the country’s future.
The strategy will bring together commercial, organizational and engineering expertise to address the authority’s development priorities.
In addition, the 36-month technical support arrangement will provide a mechanism for maintaining strategic oversight and project management support as KPA moves from planning toward implementation.
Through the assignment, Kuwait Ports Authority aims to strengthen the competitiveness, connectivity and performance of its commercial ports while supporting the country’s wider trade and logistics ambitions.
Source: Al Jarida
