Saudi ports report 15.72% growth

Saudi Arabia’s ports recorded a 15.72 per cent increase in container handling in July compared to the same month last year, official data showed.

According to Arab News, the latest statistics from the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, revealed that the Kingdom’s terminals received 271,465 standard containers in July, up from 234,592 in July 2023.

The volume of handled tonnage also increased by 9.11 per cent year on year, reaching 27.38 million tonnes.

The increase aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s goal to establish Saudi Arabia as a global logistics centre and a hub connecting three continents.

It also reinforces Mawani’s efforts to enhance port operational efficiency and improve the Kingdom’s connectivity with global markets, thereby supporting national exports.

The data 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 per cent decrease compared to the same month last year.

The ports saw a significant increase in livestock discharges, totaling 506,016, up 127.6 per cent from July 2023.

However, maritime traffic dropped by 11.24 per cent, with 908 ships arriving in July.

Passenger numbers also fell by 31.8 per cent year on year, reaching 52,191 for the month. Vehicle traffic was down 8.64 per cent, totaling 90,471 in July.

Outgoing containers increased by 7.78 per cent to 228,031 in July.