Saudi ports grow: Handling 667,000 containers in February
witnessed Saudi Arabia's ports a significant leap and exceptional achievement during February, with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recording a notable increase in the number of containers handled. This surge underscores the efficiency of operational performance, with 667,882 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled, representing a 20.89% increase compared to 552,484 TEUs during the same period last year. This rapid growth reflects the success of strategic plans aimed at developing the maritime sector and enhancing logistics services in the Kingdom.
Strategic context and development of the maritime sector in the Kingdom
Historically, ports have played a vital role in the development of the Saudi economy since the Kingdom's founding, serving as the primary gateway for international trade and a lifeline for the economy. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, this sector has undergone a radical and institutional transformation, with intensified investments in infrastructure, terminal development, and expanded capacity. The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) operates in accordance with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. This historic transformation has not been limited to modernizing equipment but has also included digitizing operations and streamlining customs procedures, making Saudi ports a preferred destination for global shipping lines.
Details of operational performance and container movement
Official data revealed the details of this positive growth, with transshipment containers recording a significant increase of 28.09% to reach 155,325 TEUs, compared to 121,265 TEUs last year. Imports also rose by 26.18% to reach 272,210 TEUs, compared to 215,735 TEUs during the same period. As for exports, outgoing containers grew by 11.54% to reach 240,347 TEUs, compared to 215,485 TEUs.
The economic impact of the growth of Saudi ports, both locally and internationally
The ongoing development and accelerating growth of Saudi ports is of paramount importance and has a far-reaching impact on several levels. Domestically, the increased number of containers handled contributes to boosting trade, supporting supply chains, stimulating sectors related to maritime transport and logistics, and bolstering the Kingdom's food security. Regionally and internationally, this performance enhances the region's capacity to accommodate global transit trade and alleviates bottlenecks in global supply chains. Attracting new shipping lines and increasing transshipment containers underscores the international community's confidence in the efficiency of the ports and their ability to provide competitive and reliable services.
Increased tonnage, ship traffic, and passenger numbers
In terms of cargo, total tonnage handled, including general cargo, solid bulk, and liquid cargo, increased by 9.22% to 18,150,103 tons, compared to 16,618,189 tons. This tonnage comprised 880,377 tons of general cargo, 13,401,013 tons of liquid bulk, and 3,868,713 tons of solid bulk.
Regarding vehicle traffic, the number of vehicles increased by 17.69% to reach 92,369. Maritime traffic also saw growth of 13.06%, with 1,385 ships arriving. Ports received 837,548 head of livestock, an increase of 19.99%. Conversely, passenger numbers decreased by 6.82% to 86,567 passengers, compared to 92,900 passengers.
Sustaining Growth: A Look at January's Performance
This success in February follows the positive performance recorded by the ports in January, where they achieved a 2.01% increase in container handling to reach 738,111 TEUs. Transshipment containers also rose in January by 22.44% to reach 184,019 TEUs, confirming the sustained upward trend in the ports' operational performance throughout the year.
