Saudi Arabia’s ports have seen a significant increase in container handling in July compared to the same month last year, according to official data from the Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani. The latest statistics show a growth of 15.72 percent, with the Kingdom’s terminals receiving 271,465 standard containers, up from 234,592 in July 2023. Additionally, the volume of handled tonnage increased by 9.11 percent year on year, reaching 27.38 million tonnes.
This growth reflects Mawani’s ongoing efforts to enhance port operational efficiency and strengthen the Kingdom’s connectivity with global markets, ultimately supporting national exports. The focus on improving the competitive edge of the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam has also contributed to the growth, as the port is equipped to handle various types and sizes of vessels, solidifying its international standing in the maritime transport and logistics sector.
The data further revealed that the Kingdom’s general shipment volumes totaled 701,606 tonnes, with solid bulk cargo at 4.48 million tonnes and liquid bulk freight at 15.34 million tonnes. Container handling operations reached 622,856 in July, marking a 14.4 percent decrease compared to the same month last year.
Interestingly, there has been a significant increase in livestock discharges at the ports, totaling 506,016, which is a substantial 127.6 percent rise from July 2023. However, maritime traffic experienced an 11.24 percent drop, with 908 ships arriving in July. Passenger numbers also fell by 31.8 percent year on year, reaching 52,191 for the month, while vehicle traffic was down 8.64 percent, totaling 90,471 in July.
On the brighter side, outgoing containers increased by 7.78 percent to 228,031 in July, indicating a positive trend in the export sector. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, Mawani’s performance has shown improvement from 76.16 points in the second quarter of 2023 to 77.66 points in the third quarter of the same year, reflecting progress in the maritime sector.
Moreover, in 2023, Saudi Arabia made significant advancements in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index by moving up 17 positions to reach the 38th place globally. This progress underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its logistics infrastructure and supporting trade activities on an international level. The continuous growth in container handling and overall port operations bodes well for Saudi Arabia’s economic development and its position in the global trade landscape.