Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the launch of a new shipping service from Jeddah Islamic Port, complementing its strategic partnerships with some of the largest shipping companies in the world, such as Hapag Lloyd, CMA CGM, COSCO and ONE. The introduction of the new service reflects the confidence of global shipping lines in Mawani’s capabilities and the prominent position of Jeddah Islamic Port in global trade through the Red Sea, connecting the Middle East to Europe and North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Indian subcontinent, and covering key ports like Port Tanger in Morocco and Algeciras in Spain.
The new shipping line is a major step forward by Mawani, taken as part of its initiatives launched under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), building on its achievements during the past year with the support of the Saudi logistics sector and the guidance of Saudi Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser. The effort has been to enhance the international connectivity of ports and attract major shipping companies in line with the strategic objectives of Vision 2030 to enhance the Kingdom’s position in the investment and logistics arena.
The new line (IO3) will link Jeddah Islamic Port with the Indian Ocean and northern European ports. The service will consist of seven vessels with a capacity equivalent to 8,500 standard containers per vessel, approximately 48 vessels per year, which will allow a greater cargo capacity.
Through the launch of the new line, Mawani aims to enhance the status of Jeddah Islamic Port as a direct point of connectivity between the ports of the East and the West, enabling the port to benefit from its strategic location between three key continents. It will also help strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading hub for logistics services and a facilitator of global supply chains, contributing to increased transshipment levels and attracting the largest number of ships operating on the Red Sea coast. Besides, it will make available additional shipping lines for local and international importers and exporters, raising the competitiveness of Saudi ports services and improving their operations. The new line will also help establish attractive logistics centers for investors in the ports sector.
Jeddah Islamic Port has gained historical significance due to the fact that Jeddah is the main gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. It is the largest port in terms of volume and cargo handling capacity, as it handles more than 65 percent of all cargoes imported through Saudi ports. The port covers an area of 12.5 square kilometers.
