Saudi Arabia port growth surged by 12% in July, driven mainly by a 35% increase in transshipment volumes. This rise highlights the impact of ongoing infrastructure upgrades and expanding logistics services across the Kingdom.
The rise in container volumes came mainly from a 35 percent jump in transshipment containers, reaching 175,666 TEUs. Export container volumes also climbed by nearly 13 percent to 275,098 TEUs. Meanwhile, imports saw a slight increase of 0.1 percent, totaling 271,738 TEUs.
This positive trend follows a strong performance in May, when the ports handled over 720,000 TEUs, marking a 13 percent year-on-year increase. Together, these gains support Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This strategy aims to turn the Kingdom into a global logistics hub as part of Vision 2030.
Mawani highlighted that this growth shows the expansion of trade with global markets. It also reflects improvements in maritime transport, supply chain efficiency, and the growth of economic activity. Additionally, these gains support Saudi Arabia’s food security and create new jobs.
In terms of total cargo, tonnage grew by nearly 3 percent to reach 21.1 million tonnes. General cargo accounted for 461,958 tonnes. Dry bulk cargo stood at 4 million tonnes, while liquid bulk cargo reached 16.6 million tonnes.
Livestock imports also increased by over 13 percent, totaling 582,708 heads. The number of ships calling at Saudi ports rose by more than 11 percent to 1,017 vessels. Passenger traffic surged by nearly 42 percent to 73,953 people. However, vehicle volumes declined by nearly 23 percent to 69,969 units.
In August, Mawani signed a major contract worth SR500 million ($133.2 million) with Petrotank. The agreement aims to create a large marine bunkering hub at King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu. This facility will improve fuel storage and bunkering capacity.
The new bunkering hub will cover 110,700 square meters and operate under a 20-year lease. It will boost vessel traffic and enhance Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in the global shipping market.
The continued growth of Saudi Arabia ports demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leading logistics center. Upgraded infrastructure and strategic projects like the Yanbu bunkering hub strengthen its position in international trade.
