Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its shipping network by launching its 30th new service this year. The latest route links Jeddah Islamic Port directly to Port Sudan. This move strengthens trade flows across the Red Sea and boosts Saudi exports. The key phrase “Saudi Arabia shipping expansion” captures the core of this initiative.
Mawani, the Saudi Ports Authority, operates this new route through Marsa Ocean Shipping. The service offers capacity for 1,118 containers. Consequently, it enhances the Kingdom’s logistics efficiency and competitiveness in global trade. Saudi Arabia shipping expansion continues to support the country’s Vision 2030 goals. These goals aim to increase the logistics sector’s contribution to GDP from 6 percent to 10 percent.
In addition, Mawani uses Saudi Arabia shipping expansion to improve Jeddah port’s global rankings. The authority emphasizes efficiency and reliability to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a trade hub linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. Moreover, recent services show a strong commitment to connectivity. For example, Goodrich introduced a route linking Jeddah to Port Sudan, Djibouti, and Jebel Ali with 720 TEUs capacity. Blue Ocean Shipping opened another route to Qingdao, Ningbo, and Nansha in China with 2,300 TEUs.
Earlier, CMA CGM started the LRX service connecting Jeddah with Latakia in Syria, Iskenderun and Mersin in Turkiye, and Beirut in Lebanon. This service marked Saudi Arabia’s first direct shipping connection to Syria. Wan Hai Lines also launched the AR2 Asia Redsea service linking Jeddah to major ports in China, Turkiye, Egypt, and Jordan with 3,700 TEUs capacity. Furthermore, the IM2 service, operated jointly by Emirates Line and Wan Hai, connects Jeddah to Mundra in India, Alexandria in Egypt, and Mersin in Turkiye.
In the eastern region, Mawani launched the “Chinook Clanga” service at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Jubail Commercial Port. This service links Saudi Arabia’s eastern ports to 16 regional and international destinations. Ports include Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain, Hamad in Qatar, Nhava Sheva in India, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Singapore. Overall, these services enhance regional connectivity and expand Saudi Arabia’s role as a major trade hub.
Saudi Arabia shipping expansion clearly shows the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and global trade. By adding new services and increasing container capacity, the country strengthens its logistics network. With Vision 2030 driving growth, Saudi Arabia continues to improve its ports, attract international shipping partners, and enhance trade across the Red Sea and beyond.
