Saudi Arabia Expands Three Ports’ Shipping Services

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced the launch of five new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Jubail Commercial Port, and Jeddah Islamic Port. This increases the effectiveness of connecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with global markets.

According to the authority, the new shipping services employ Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port. Moreover, these ports connect the ports of Port Said in Egypt, Tangier in Morocco, Algeciras in Spain, Aqaba in Jordan, Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, Mundar and Pipavav in India, and Salalah in Oman. These ports have a combined capacity of 19,869 standard containers.

In addition, the General Authority further highlighted that, according to the Saudi Press Agency “SPA,” this action boosts the Kingdom’s crucial ports’ position and increases regional and international competitiveness.

This is part of the Authority’s efforts to improve the Kingdom’s standing in the maritime navigation network connectivity index and increase the efficiency of connecting the Kingdom to international markets. It aligns with the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services goals. Likewise, the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services aims to solidify the Kingdom’s role as a hub connecting the three continents and a global logistics centre.

Furthermore, navigation services help Saudi ports become more competitive, better support the flow of domestic imports and exports, facilitate international commerce, and offer new economic opportunities.

One of the Top 100 Ports Globally

According to the Lloyd’s List report for 2024, Saudi Arabia’s ranking in the world for managing the quantity of containers at its ports increased to 15th position.

Three Saudi ports were among the top 100 in the world, with Jeddah Islamic Port moving from 41st to 32nd position, King Abdullah Port moving from 71st to 70th place, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam moving from 90th to 82nd place.

Additionally, Jeddah Islamic Port was chosen as a centre for the Gemini partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk. This agreement strengthens Saudi ports’ position as a logistical hub connecting the three continents, improves cargo handling efficiency, promotes commerce, and boosts economic growth.

Besides, the Saudi Ports Authority stated in late December 2024 that King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam will open the new shipping service “MIX 2” of “Milaha” to improve the flow of imports and exports to and from the port and increase the effectiveness of its operating procedures.

In keeping with the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services goals, the Saudi Ports Authority strives to strengthen the Kingdom’s standing as a major worldwide logistics hub.

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