Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable progress in its maritime transport sector in 2024, showcasing a 6.4% increase. This growth in gross tonnage reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities compared to 2023. Consequently, Saudi Arabia secured an impressive 20th position globally in maritime rankings, reinforcing its regional leadership. This milestone underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Arab and regional maritime spheres, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and enhance global trade competitiveness.
Alignment with Vision 2030
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) highlighted that this achievement aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS). The strategy focuses on developing a world-class maritime fleet, boosting trade efficiency, and supporting sustainable development. These efforts reinforce Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics hub connecting three continents.
Over 2,000 certified Saudi seafarers played a pivotal role in this success. Their technical expertise and adherence to international standards strengthened the sector’s regional and global competitiveness. The Kingdom continues to invest in specialized training programs to qualify more national personnel, ensuring sustained growth.
Investments and Infrastructure Development
Saudi Arabia remains committed to high-quality investments in maritime infrastructure, leveraging its strategic location as a global trade gateway. Recent initiatives include the development of eight new logistics parks and hubs, with private sector investments exceeding $773 million. These projects aim to enhance operational efficiency and meet growing global trade demands.
In 2024, Saudi ports handled 320.78 million tonnes of cargo, marking a 14.45% increase from 2023. Container exports rose by 8.86%, while imports surged by 13.79%. Despite a 10.93% decline in total container throughput, the Kingdom’s ports ranked 15th globally in container handling, reflecting significant operational improvements.
Expanding Global Investments and Connectivity
Saudi Arabia added 47 new shipping routes in 2024, bringing the total to 115. This expansion strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a key player in global maritime trade. Notably, Maersk invested $1.3 billion in Jeddah Islamic Port, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a re-export hub.
The Kingdom’s maritime sector continues to thrive, driven by strategic investments, skilled national personnel, and world-class infrastructure. These achievements not only support Vision 2030 but also position the Kingdom as a trusted partner in international trade and a global logistics leader.
By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity, Saudi Arabia is charting a new course for maritime excellence, setting benchmarks for the region and beyond.