The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, has recently issued a directive mandating all shipping agents and storage companies to adhere to round-the-clock operations for container reception and delivery.
Saudi Arabia is becoming a global logistics hub © Mena Today
The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, has recently issued a directive mandating all shipping agents and storage companies to adhere to round-the-clock operations for container reception and delivery, including weekends and official holidays. This move follows reports of non-compliance from various stakeholders operating in the logistics and support services areas of King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, located in the eastern region of the Kingdom.
In addition to enforcing continuous operations, Mawani has emphasized the importance of establishing 24-hour communication channels to facilitate container transactions, responding promptly to customer inquiries, issuing approvals for container returns, and handling payment-related matters efficiently.
The proactive measures by Mawani come amid encouraging statistics for the Saudi ports sector. During the month of February 2024, ports under Mawani's supervision recorded a notable increase in container traffic, with a growth rate of 16.88% compared to the same period in 2023. This surge translated to 226,672 incoming containers, highlighting the growing importance of Saudi ports as key trade gateways.
Furthermore, cargo throughput tonnage witnessed a modest yet significant uptick of 1.44% year-on-year, totaling 23,381,835 tons in February 2024. This increase underscores the substantial investments made in port infrastructure and the commitment to delivering top-tier logistical services.
The breakdown of cargo types reveals a diverse range of goods being handled by Saudi ports, including general cargo, solid bulk cargo, and liquid bulk cargo. Notably, the ports experienced a remarkable surge in livestock unloading, marking a 166.67% increase compared to the previous year.
Despite the positive trends in cargo and container traffic, maritime passenger numbers experienced a decline of 32.86% in February 2024, attributed to various factors including travel restrictions and global economic conditions. Similarly, the number of vehicles handled at the ports decreased by 11.12% compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam achieved a historic milestone by handling 235,820 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), demonstrating its pivotal role in advancing the goals outlined in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).
These achievements further solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub, strategically positioned to connect three continents and facilitate international trade and commerce.
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