The introduction of a new shipping service by the Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) is set to enhance trade connections between Saudi Arabia and key East Asian ports, thereby reinforcing the Kingdom’s global logistics framework.
According to Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, MSC will launch the “Clanga” line at Jubail Commercial Port. This initiative aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s investment and logistics stature, as reported by the official press agency.
The new service will link Jubail Commercial Port with King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, the Port of Singapore, the Port of Shanghai in China, and the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It boasts a handling capacity of up to 6,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
This development is anticipated to enhance foreign investment and streamline supply chain operations. It aligns with Mawani’s strategy to boost the competitiveness of Saudi ports and bolster national exports, supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s vision of positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub spanning three continents.
Mawani highlighted that the addition of this service underscores Jubail port’s strategic importance in maritime transport and logistics, bolstering economic activities in the Eastern Province.
The port’s proximity to production hubs, combined with its advanced infrastructure, enables it to accommodate a variety of vessels, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with international terminals.
As a pivotal channel for national exports, especially industrial and petrochemical products from Jubail Industrial City, the port significantly contributes to the Kingdom’s competitiveness in global trade.
In August, MSC launched the service at King Abdulaziz Port, connecting it with major Chinese terminals, including Ningbo, Shanghai, and Shekou, as well as Singapore. Mawani noted that the service would feature weekly voyages with a capacity of up to 15,000 TEUs.
MSC stated that the service aims to resolve terminal congestion issues in the Middle East and improve Asia-Middle East cargo connectivity. Having won the “Best Shipping Line – Asia-Africa” award at the 2024 Asian Freight, Logistics, and Supply Chain Awards, MSC emphasized that Clanga offers a distinctive and competitive service for Saudi exports to the Far East through a direct call from Dammam to Shanghai.
