Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector is making waves with remarkable growth, defying odds and showcasing resilience in the face of challenges.
Recent data released by the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, unveiled a significant surge in container traffic and handled tonnage, underlining the Kingdom’s commitment to bolstering its port infrastructure and logistics services.
According to official figures, ports across Saudi Arabia witnessed a notable 12.48 per cent increase in received containers in March compared to the same period last year.
The terminals welcomed a staggering 265,148 standard containers, a clear indicator of burgeoning trade activities. Simultaneously, the volume of handled tonnage experienced a commendable uptick of 3.77 per cent, reaching 19.64 million tonnes, reflecting the robustness of the Kingdom’s maritime operations.
“This reflects the scale of efforts made to develop port infrastructure and provide the highest levels of logistics services,” affirmed Mawani in a statement, underlining the relentless pursuit of excellence in the maritime domain.
The breakdown of cargo types further underscores the diversity and magnitude of trade flowing through Saudi ports. General shipment volumes soared to 804,837 tonnes, while solid bulk cargo and liquid bulk freight reached 3.94 million tonnes and 14.74 million tonnes, respectively.
Despite a slight decrease in container handling operations by 9.85 per cent, the overall picture remains promising, emphasizing sustained growth trajectories.
Notably, the harbours registered a remarkable surge in livestock discharge, recording a staggering 54.12 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
This uptick in livestock trade signals expanding horizons and emerging opportunities within the Kingdom’s maritime sector.
However, amidst the success stories, certain metrics witnessed marginal declines. Maritime traffic experienced a modest 3.01 per cent decrease, totalling 968 ships compared to the previous year.
Similarly, passenger and vehicle counts witnessed declines of 51.01 per cent and 17.34 per cent, respectively, attributed to various factors, including global economic fluctuations and evolving travel patterns.
Despite these minor setbacks, outgoing containers witnessed a notable increase of 8.56 per cent, reaching 212,672 units, further highlighting Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a regional trade hub.
Moreover, global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s maritime advancements adds another layer of validation to its endeavours.
A report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development reveals Mawani’s upward trajectory in the third quarter of last year, with a notable increase in its performance index. This upward trend underscores the Kingdom’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the maritime domain.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s remarkable ascent in global rankings is a testament to its unwavering commitment to enhancing logistics and trade facilitation.
Climbing 17 spots in the Logistics Performance Index issued by the World Bank in 2023, the Kingdom now occupies the 38th spot globally, a testament to its growing influence and efficacy in the global trade landscape.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector continues to chart an upward trajectory, defying challenges and embracing opportunities with unwavering determination.
With robust infrastructure, strategic initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, the Kingdom reaffirms its position as a key player in the global maritime arena, poised for even greater achievements in the times ahead.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members