Prime Highlights:
Saudi ports processed 320.78 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 14.45% year-on-year increase.
Container exports rose by 8.86%, reaching over 2.8 million TEUs, up from 2.59 million in 2023.
Container imports surged by 13.79%, totaling 2.98 million TEUs, compared to 2.62 million TEUs in 2023.
Key Background:
Saudi Arabia’s ports saw a substantial increase in cargo throughput in 2024, processing a total of 320.78 million tonnes of goods, reflecting a 14.45% growth compared to the previous year. This remarkable performance highlights the ongoing improvements in the Kingdom’s port infrastructure and operational efficiency.
According to the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), container exports rose by 8.86%, reaching over 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up from 2.59 million TEUs in 2023. Similarly, container imports saw a notable 13.79% increase, totaling 2.98 million TEUs, up from 2.62 million TEUs. These developments underline Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global trade and logistics.
As part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030, these growth figures align with the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global logistics hub. Mawani’s advancements have been critical in positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the maritime sector. For the first time, Saudi Arabia has ranked 15th globally in container handling, as reported by the 2024 Lloyd’s List, a testament to its expanded influence in international trade.
Additionally, three Saudi ports have secured positions in the global top 100. Jeddah Islamic Port jumped to 32nd from 41st, King Abdullah Port advanced to 70th from 71st, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam improved to 82nd from 90th. General cargo handling saw a robust 30.39% growth, reaching nearly 10 million tonnes, while solid and liquid bulk goods increased by 6.23% and 16.29%, respectively. Livestock imports surged by 19.63%, totaling 9.72 million heads, up from 8.12 million in 2023.
However, the total number of containers handled fell by 10.93%, with a marked decline in transshipment containers, which decreased by 46.74%. Maritime traffic also saw a reduction of 4.56%, with fewer vessels visiting Saudi ports compared to 2023. Despite these declines, Saudi ports are focused on continued investment in infrastructure, with major initiatives such as the development of eight new logistics parks and hubs, along with private sector investments totaling approximately SR2.9 billion ($773 million). These projects are part of a broader SR10 billion initiative to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Saudi ports. Notably, Maersk’s SR1.3
billion global logistics projects at Jeddah Islamic Port is expected to further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position in the global logistics landscape.