King Abdulaziz Port: A Gateway to Saudi Arabia’s Trade Growth
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port has set a new container throughput record, handling 206,145 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in May 2023. This achievement is due to the rise in export and import volumes, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy aimed at turning the Kingdom into a global logistics hub. The Dammam port surpassed its previous record of 199,609 TEUs in August 2022. The new accomplishment adds to a string of successes the port has achieved over the years, handling a record 2,038,787 standard containers in 2022, the highest in its history in a single year.
The King Abdulaziz Port is a world-class logistics center with top-tier infrastructure and capabilities. It is increasingly becoming an obvious choice for shipping liners looking to expand their routes. Some notable liners include SeaLead Shipping’s Far East to Middle East service, Emirates Shipping Line’s Jebel Ali Bahrain Shuwaikh service, Gulf-India Express 2 service by Aladin Express, and Maersk’s Shaheen Express service.
Primary Entryway for Cargo
The port is the primary entryway for cargo headed to the country’s eastern and central regions from across the world. It has 43 fully equipped berths, modern cargo handling equipment, and general cargo support terminals. It also harbors a refrigerated cargo terminal, two cement terminals, a bulk grain terminal, an iron ore terminal, a vessel building berth, and oil and gas terminals.
Launch of New Freight Service
In January, Mawani announced the launch of a new freight service at the King Abdulaziz Port, operated by the Swiss-based container group MSC. The service facilitates weekly sailings to eight maritime destinations spanning the Arabian Gulf, South Asia, and Southern Africa. The trail includes Khalifa bin Salman in Bahrain, Khalifa in the UAE, Qasim in Pakistan, Mundra and Hazira in India, Port Louis in Mauritius, and Durban and Coega in South Africa. The service, which started on Jan. 21, featured five vessels with an average carrying capacity exceeding 6,000 TEUs.
Improving Competitiveness
The new accomplishment adds to the port’s efforts to improve its competitiveness and increase communication channels with international ports while enhancing the quality of service and raising standards. As a result, it has become a hub for global trade, attracting more shipping liners to expand their routes.
Conclusion
The King Abdulaziz Port’s new container throughput record is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ramp up trade volumes and turn the Kingdom into a global logistics hub. The port’s top-tier infrastructure and capabilities make it an obvious choice for shipping liners looking to expand their routes. With the launch of a new freight service and efforts to improve competitiveness, the port is set to continue its string of successes in the years to come.