The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, has bolstered the nation’s maritime, logistics, and port sectors by funneling investments that approximate SAR 17 billion riyals ($4.5 billion) throughout 2023.
These strategic investments have positioned Saudi Arabia favorably on various international benchmarks, enhancing its standing in container throughput and logistics performance.
Notably, the Kingdom has ascended eight places in the global container handling rankings, securing the 16th spot among the top 100 ports worldwide, as per Lloyd’s List. Additionally, it has made a notable leap of 17 places to rank 38th among 160 nations in the World Bank’s logistics efficiency index.
Mawani reports that the Kingdom has also witnessed substantial progression in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, taking the lead in regional advancement according to the UNCTAD report. The index showed an increase to 79.01 points in the fourth quarter of 2023 from 77.66 points in the preceding quarter.
Looking forward, Mawani has ratified agreements in 2023 to develop five new logistics parks and centers, attracting investments over SAR 4 billion. These initiatives include enhancing logistics parks at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, erecting an integrated logistics park at Jeddah Islamic Port, and setting up a comprehensive bunker station at King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu.
Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for the most extensive integrated logistics zone for Maersk in the Middle East at the Jeddah Islamic Port, backed by investments of SAR 1.3 billion ($346 million), sprawling over 225,000 square meters.
The Authority also kicked off construction for a logistics park at the same port in a joint venture with CMA CGM and inaugurated a new logistics park in partnership with LogiPoint, marking the firm’s premier integrated logistics facility in the region.
In efforts to enhance global trade links, Mawani has introduced 28 new maritime routes, connecting Saudi ports with pivotal eastern and western ports across the globe.
Furthermore, Mawani has forged about 16 partnership accords with various international ports and national entities from both public and private sectors, aiming to elevate the stature of Saudi ports in the maritime transport industry on both regional and international stages.
