According to the most recent data from the Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, the Kingdom’s terminals received 271,465 standard containers in July of this year. This marks an increase from 234,592 in July of 2023. Additionally, there was a 9.11% annual rise in handled tonnage, bringing the total to 27.38 million metric tons.

The rise is in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s objective of positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub linking three continents and a global logistics centre. It also supports Mawani’s initiatives to boost the effectiveness of port operations and the Kingdom’s connectivity to international markets, both of which promote domestic exports.

The company’s commitment to improving the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, which can accommodate a wide range of vessel sizes and kinds, is evident in the expansion as well, bolstering Mawani’s status internationally in the maritime transport and logistics industry.

According to the data, the Kingdom shipped 701,606 metric tons in general, of which 4.48 million were solid bulk cargo and 15.34 million were liquid bulk freight. In July, there were 622,856 container handling activities, which is a 14.4% reduction from the same month the previous year.

Livestock discharges from the ports increased significantly, reaching 506,016—a 127.6% increase from July 2023. But only 908 ships arrived in July, representing an 11.24% decline in marine traffic. Additionally, the number of passengers decreased by 31.8% to 52,191 during the month. There were 90,471 vehicles in July, an 8.64% decrease in traffic. In July, the number of outgoing containers rose by 7.78% to 228,031.

Mawani’s performance increased from 76.16 points in the second quarter of 2023 to 77.66 points in the third quarter of 2023, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, indicating advancements in the maritime industry.

Saudi Arabia moved up 17 spots to take 38th place worldwide in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index in 2023.

Reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s strategic position in international shipping and logistics, the country’s continuous rise in container handling and logistics performance improvements shows the country’s progress toward becoming a major player in global marine commerce.

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In April, European ports and warehouses were preparing to face the container crisis during the peak lockdown period. Due to the lockjam of manufactured goods, container ships arriving from Asia reached their destinations at a time when the demand had significantly dropped. 

In September,  SJG Group and and Solent Gateway established a partnership to operate the Marchwood military port. The partnership took place after observing an increase in late container vessels at DP World Southampton. 

Earlier this month, it was reported that containers from Asia to Europe might face ‘unprecedented’ delays and additional costs. Port of Felixstowe has even shown concerns that there might be high import volumes which might move through December into the new year. 

According to the port, approximately a quarter of its 26,448 vehicle booking system slots were unused. That said, 16 percent of them were unavailable on the smaller Landguard Terminal. Fall in demand and increase in containers is a massive distress to the UK ports and shipping industry, especially with Brexit nearing its transition period on December 31. 

Looming Brexit uncertainties have disrupted the UK economy over the last few years, and domestic sectors are continously preparing to cope with the crisis.

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