Saudi seaports see 8% increase in cargo handling

RIYADH : Saudi seaports witnessed an annual 8.09 percent increase in the volume of cargo handled during May, reaching over 27.63 million tonnes. 

Official data released by the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, revealed that this growth, surpassing last year’s 25.56 million tonnes in the same month, underscores the Kingdom’s status as a pivotal global logistics hub, connecting three continents. 

In a statement, Mawani emphasized that this rise plays a vital role in advancing the Kingdom’s leadership in the maritime sector and aligns with the objectives set forth in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. 

The data further revealed that exported containers saw a 13.61 percent annual increase, reaching 255,297 twenty-foot-equivalent units in May. 

The authority further noted that imported containers increased by 5.30 percent, reaching 260,065 TEUs.  

The total volume of general cargo reached 851,501 tonnes, solid bulk cargo surpassed 4,747,750 tonnes, and liquid bulk cargo exceeded 15.44 million tonnes. 

Mawani also reported that Saudi ports received 1,014,417 cattle heads in May, a 76.56 percent increase compared to the same month of 2023.  

However, handled containers came in at 647,839 TEUs, marking a decrease of 10.09 percent compared to last year. Additionally, transshipment containers decreased by 46.77 percent to 132,477 TEUs. 

Meanwhile, the authority noted that maritime traffic featured a 7.68 percent decrease to 986 ships in May.  

Additionally, there was a 35.31 percent decrease in passenger statistics, totaling 56,636, and a 19.45 percent fall in car numbers, totaling 74,590. 

In its statement, Mawani stated that it completed several qualitative infrastructure development projects in the Kingdom’s ports since the beginning of 2024 to enhance its competitiveness regionally and internationally and increase operational efficiency. 

These achievements have been internationally recognized, as evidenced by Mawani’s receipt of the “Distinguished Infrastructure” award and the “Best Contribution to Economic Infrastructure Development” award. 

At the beginning of June, Mawani and its Marseille equivalent signed a memorandum of understanding during the second edition of Vision Golfe 2024, held in Paris. 

The agreement is part of France and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence in trade and maritime transport.