Saudi Ports Authority announces new services; selected as the hub for Gemini Cooperation
Saudi Ports Authority, “Mawani,” has announced the addition of five new shipping services by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port. This step strengthens the strategic role of the Kingdom’s ports and enhances their competitiveness regionally and internationally, said Mawani in a release.
This development is part of Mawani’s efforts to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global maritime connectivity index and improve the Kingdom’s trade links with international markets. These efforts align with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify the Kingdom’s standing as a global logistics hub bridging three continents.
The new services connect the three Saudi ports with key international ports, including Port Said in Egypt, Tangier in Morocco, Algeciras in Spain, Aqaba in Jordan, Jebel Ali in the UAE, Mundra and Pipavav in India, and Salalah in Oman, with a combined capacity of 19,869 TEUs. These services are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi ports and improve their ability to support national import and export activities, thereby facilitating global trade and creating new business opportunities.
Notably, Jeddah Islamic Port has been selected as the hub for the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, further reinforcing the strategic role of Saudi ports as a logistics hub connecting three continents. This initiative boosts cargo-handling efficiency, stimulates trade flows and fosters economic growth, the release added.
Source: Exim News Service: Jeddah, Feb. 6