KPMG has been appointed in Kuwait as the main advisor to lead the development of the strategic plan for the Kuwait Port Authority (KPA) under tender number 3/2025/2026. This plan will be implemented in collaboration with Haskoning Nederland B.V. and Dar Gulf Consult to enhance the competitiveness, connectivity, and performance of Kuwait's commercial ports.
Development of the Strategic Plan
KPMG in Kuwait is responsible for integrating the collaborations of these three companies into a single strategic plan. This plan will include market analysis, strategy development, and its implementation. Dr. Rashid Al-Qanai, Managing Partner of KPMG in Kuwait, stated that Kuwait's ports play a central role in the economic diversification of the country and in achieving Kuwait's 2035 vision as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Two Complementary Workstreams
This mission includes two complementary workstreams. The first stream relates to strategy development, planning, and implementation framework, which will include assessing the market position and current performance of KPA. Strategic options and a roadmap will be translated into detailed operational plans supported by key performance indicators, a risk framework, and a monitoring program.
The second workstream will establish a strategic technical support office for a duration of 36 months, led by KPMG. This office will provide strategic oversight, technical advice, and integrated project management support for KPA.
Competition in the Regional Market
The strategy will also address KPA's position in the increasingly competitive landscape of regional ports. Sameer Batnagar, Partner and Global Head of KPMG's Ports Sector, announced that ports in the Gulf are fiercely competing in terms of capacity, connectivity, and services. KPA has a real opportunity to strengthen Kuwait's position in global maritime transport networks. Leveraging KPMG's experience working with over 50 global and regional players in the maritime industry, international best practices will be brought to Kuwait-specific strategy.
Continuity Between Planning and Execution
According to Imran Sheikh, Associate Partner and Head of Government and Infrastructure Advisory Services at KPMG in Kuwait, continuity between planning and execution is crucial in this mission. KPA has a clear objective for Kuwait's ports, and in collaboration with Haskoning and Gulf Consult, KPMG aims to turn this objective into an actionable strategy. Through the strategic technical support office, we will work alongside KPA teams to translate that strategy into projects, decisions, and measurable outcomes.
