Saudi Ports Authority Sees Significant Increase in Container Handling
RIYADH: In a promising development, Saudi Arabia’s ports have experienced a notable 15.72 percent surge in container handling in July compared to the same period last year, according to official data released by the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani.
Driving Towards Global Logistics Excellence
The latest statistics from Mawani revealed that the Kingdom’s terminals received a total of 271,465 standard containers in July, marking a substantial increase from the 234,592 containers received in July 2023. Additionally, the volume of handled tonnage saw a 9.11 percent year-on-year growth, reaching 27.38 million tonnes.
This growth aligns perfectly with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s vision to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics center and a pivotal hub connecting three continents. It also underscores Mawani’s ongoing efforts to boost port operational efficiency and enhance the Kingdom’s connectivity with global markets to support national exports.
Focus on King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam
The data also shed light on Mawani’s focus on enhancing the competitive edge of the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, which boasts the capability to handle vessels of various types and sizes, further solidifying its international reputation in the maritime transport and logistics sector.
Diverse Cargo Handling
The Kingdom’s ports handled a total of 701,606 tonnes of general shipments in July, with solid bulk cargo amounting to 4.48 million tonnes and liquid bulk freight reaching 15.34 million tonnes. Container handling operations for the month totaled 622,856, reflecting a 14.4 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
Notable Increases and Decreases in Port Activities
While there was a significant rise in livestock discharges, totaling 506,016 and marking a 127.6 percent increase from July 2023, maritime traffic witnessed an 11.24 percent drop with 908 ships arriving in July. Passenger numbers also fell by 31.8 percent, reaching 52,191 for the month, and vehicle traffic was down by 8.64 percent, totaling 90,471 in July. Outgoing containers, however, saw a 7.78 percent increase to 228,031 in July.
Progress in Maritime Sector Performance
According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, Mawani’s performance showed improvement from 76.16 points in the second quarter of 2023 to 77.66 points in the third quarter of the same year, indicating progress in the maritime sector. Additionally, Saudi Arabia climbed 17 positions in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index in 2023, securing the 38th spot globally.
Establishing Saudi Arabia as a Key Player in Global Maritime Trade
The continuous growth in container handling and enhancements in logistics performance underscore Saudi Arabia’s advancement as a significant player in global maritime trade. This progress solidifies the Kingdom’s strategic position in international shipping and logistics, showcasing its commitment to excellence in the maritime industry.