The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, has reported a significant 12.48% surge in imported container numbers for March 2024, reaching a total of 265,148 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This figure marks a considerable increase from the 235,738 TEUs recorded in the same period of the previous year.
This expansion reflects the effective strategies implemented by Mawani to enhance the maritime and logistics sectors, aligning with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS). The NTLS aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a pivotal global logistics hub, strategically connecting three continents.
Furthermore, exports have seen an uplift, with an 8.56% climb in exported containers, tallying up to 212,672 TEUs as opposed to 195,895 TEUs the year before. This growth underscores the success in boosting port capacities and enhancing their competitive position in the market.
Overall cargo throughput also increased by 3.77%, reaching 19,645,292 tons. A more detailed look reveals a 53.74% jump in general cargo, amounting to 804,837 tons, and an 8.10% rise in liquid bulk cargo, which totaled 14,742,797 tons. In contrast, solid bulk goods experienced a 14.11% decrease, amounting to 3,940,701 tons.
Notably, the container throughput showed a 9.85% decline, with 561,484 TEUs handled. Container transshipment also fell sharply by 48.21%, down to 142,497 TEUs.
The ports saw a significant 54.12% increase in livestock discharges, with a record of 961,131 cattle heads. Conversely, maritime vessel traffic dipped by 3.01%, with a total of 968 ships, and passenger numbers plummeted by 51.01%, with only 62,507 travelers. The automotive segment similarly contracted by 17.34%, with 67,638 vehicles processed.
Mawani is actively investing in port infrastructure development. Notably, the authority has initiated projects at King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, with investments around SAR7 billion, and the Jeddah Islamic Port North Container Terminal, involving SAR1 billion. These developments contributed to Saudi Arabia achieving a score of 248 on the UNCTAD’s Liner Shipping Connectivity Index for the first quarter of 2024.