Mawani Reports 14.45% Cargo Growth in 2024

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has reported a 14.45 percent increase in cargo throughput for 2024, with total volumes reaching 320,784,757 tons compared to 300,542,872 tons in 2023, according to an official announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The figures, released from Riyadh on January 15, 2025, underscore the continued expansion of the Kingdom’s maritime logistics sector and its growing role in regional and global trade. The results reflect sustained investment in port infrastructure, operational modernization, and digital transformation across Saudi Arabia’s network of commercial and industrial ports.

The annual performance data highlights broad-based gains across multiple cargo categories, including outbound and inbound containers, general cargo, solid and liquid bulk, and livestock imports. These increases occurred alongside a strategic decline in transshipment volumes, suggesting a shift in port utilization priorities. For international observers, the numbers offer a clear signal that Saudi Arabia’s maritime gateways are handling more goods than ever before, even as global shipping faces periodic disruptions and shifting trade patterns. The results also reinforce the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Context and Background

What does it mean for a national port authority to post double-digit growth in cargo throughput while global trade faces headwinds? For Mawani, the 2024 results represent the culmination of years of strategic planning and infrastructure investment. The Saudi Ports Authority oversees a network of ports along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, including major facilities such as Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu. These ports serve as vital entry and exit points for the Kingdom’s imports and exports, ranging from consumer goods and machinery to petrochemicals and agricultural products.

The 14.45 percent increase in total cargo throughput builds on previous years of steady recovery and expansion. In 2023, Mawani handled 300,542,872 tons; the jump to 320,784,757 tons in 2024 indicates that Saudi Arabia’s trade volumes are not only recovering but accelerating. This growth aligns with broader economic diversification efforts under Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce reliance on oil revenues by expanding non-oil sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, and trade. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key Vision 2030 program, aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index by 2030.

Regional context further illuminates the significance of these figures. The Red Sea corridor has gained strategic importance as global shipping lanes face disruptions in other parts of the world. Saudi ports have benefited from their geographic advantage, situated at the crossroads of major east-west trade routes. The Kingdom’s investment in port capacity, automation, and connectivity has made its facilities increasingly attractive to international shipping lines and logistics operators. As a result, Mawani’s 2024 performance is not merely a statistical uptick but a reflection of deeper structural improvements in Saudi Arabia’s maritime ecosystem.

Key Details

What specific cargo categories drove the growth, and what do the numbers reveal about Saudi Arabia’s trade profile? According to the official data, outbound containers increased by 8.86 percent, reaching 2,816,059 TEUs, up from 2,586,746 TEUs in 2023. Inbound containers rose even more sharply, by 13.79 percent, totaling 2,980,842 TEUs compared to 2,619,548 TEUs the previous year. These figures indicate robust demand for both Saudi exports and imported goods, reflecting a vibrant and balanced trade relationship with international partners.

General cargo volumes surged by 30.39 percent, totaling 9,980,465 tons compared to 7,654,081 tons in 2023. This category includes breakbulk items such as machinery, steel, and project cargo, often associated with industrial projects and infrastructure development. Solid bulk cargo increased by 6.23 percent, reaching 52,117,108 tons from 49,060,740 tons, while liquid bulk cargo rose by 16.29 percent, totaling 177,435,836 tons compared to 152,577,817 tons. Liquid bulk primarily consists of petroleum products and chemicals, underscoring the continued importance of energy-related trade alongside diversification efforts. Livestock imports also saw a significant increase of 19.63 percent, totaling 9,719,343 head compared to 8,124,842 in 2023, reflecting growing demand for food security and agricultural products.

Conversely, overall container throughput decreased by 10.93 percent, totaling 7,521,085 TEUs compared to 8,443,784 TEUs in 2023. Transshipment containers experienced a sharp decline of 46.74 percent, totaling 1,724,184 TEUs compared to 3,237,490 TEUs. Vessel traffic dropped by 4.56 percent, with 11,579 ships handled compared to 12,132 in 2023. Passenger numbers fell by 27.02 percent, totaling 736,177 compared to 1,008,730, while vehicle handling decreased by 4.38 percent, totaling 1,088,615 vehicles compared to 1,138,463. These declines in transshipment and passenger metrics may reflect shifts in global shipping alliances and route optimization, as well as changes in travel patterns. Importantly, the increase in overall cargo tonnage alongside lower container throughput suggests that Saudi ports are handling heavier, higher-value cargo and optimizing their service mix.

In December 2024 alone, Mawani recorded a 9.27 percent increase in cargo throughput, totaling 27,461,857 tons, up from 25,132,181 tons in December 2023. Container handling during the same period increased by 5.77 percent, totaling 711,170 TEUs compared to 672,373 TEUs. This year-end momentum indicates that the growth trajectory remains strong and may carry into 2025.

International and Regional Impact

How do these port performance figures influence Saudi Arabia’s standing in global trade and logistics? The 2024 results strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a pivotal logistics hub linking three continents. International shipping lines and logistics companies are increasingly integrating Saudi ports into their networks, drawn by competitive transit times, modern infrastructure, and streamlined customs procedures. The growth in inbound and outbound containers signals that Saudi Arabia is becoming a preferred gateway for goods moving between Asia, Europe, and Africa. This has implications for global supply chains, offering alternative routing options and enhancing resilience in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

Regionally, the data reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in maritime trade within the Middle East and North Africa. Neighboring countries and trading partners benefit from efficient Saudi port services, which facilitate the flow of goods across the region. The increase in livestock imports, for instance, highlights Saudi Arabia’s capacity to meet domestic food security needs through reliable maritime logistics, a matter of strategic importance for many nations. Moreover, the Kingdom’s investments in port digitalization and green initiatives set a benchmark for other regional ports, encouraging competition and collaboration that can raise overall standards in the maritime sector.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why do these numbers matter for Saudi Arabia’s economy and long-term strategy? The 14.45 percent increase in cargo throughput directly contributes to non-oil GDP growth, a core objective of Vision 2030. Ports are critical nodes in the supply chain, enabling imports of capital goods and raw materials needed for industrial expansion, as well as exports of manufactured products and petrochemicals. The surge in general cargo and liquid bulk volumes indicates heightened industrial activity and energy trade, which support government revenues and private sector development. Furthermore, the growth in container traffic reflects rising consumer demand and business activity, signaling a healthy economic environment.

Strategically, Mawani’s performance supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s goal of making Saudi Arabia a global logistics hub. By enhancing port efficiency and capacity, the Kingdom attracts foreign direct investment and fosters partnerships with international logistics firms. The decline in transshipment containers, while notable, may be offset by higher-value cargo handling and improved service quality. It is also possible that some transshipment activity shifted to other regional ports due to market dynamics, but Saudi ports remain competitive through continuous upgrades. The overall increase in tonnage demonstrates that the Kingdom’s ports are resilient and adaptable, capable of thriving even as global shipping patterns evolve.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does Mawani’s 2024 performance advance Saudi Vision 2030? The results are a direct endorsement of the Vision’s emphasis on economic diversification and infrastructure development. Under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to increase port capacity, reduce logistics costs, and improve connectivity. The 2024 cargo throughput growth shows tangible progress toward these targets. Additionally, the expansion of port services supports the creation of jobs, the transfer of technology, and the development of human capital in the maritime sector, all of which are integral to Vision 2030’s social and economic pillars.

Looking ahead, Mawani’s ongoing investments in smart port technologies, sustainability initiatives, and strategic partnerships are expected to further boost performance. The Kingdom’s ports are being transformed into integrated logistics zones that add value to cargo and attract global businesses. As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a central link between three continents, the 2024 figures serve as a strong foundation for future growth. The positive trajectory reinforces confidence among international stakeholders and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a world-class logistics hub, in line with the visionary leadership of Saudi Arabia.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the percentage increase in cargo throughput for Mawani in 2024?

A1. Mawani reported a 14.45 percent increase in cargo throughput for 2024, reaching 320,784,757 tons compared to 300,542,872 tons in 2023.

Q2. How did outbound container volumes change in 2024?

A2. Outbound containers increased by 8.86 percent, totaling 2,816,059 TEUs in 2024, up from 2,586,746 TEUs in 2023.

Q3. What was the increase in inbound containers for 2024?

A3. Inbound containers rose by 13.79 percent, reaching 2,980,842 TEUs compared to 2,619,548 TEUs in the previous year.

Q4. How much did general cargo volumes grow in 2024?

A4. General cargo volumes surged by 30.39 percent, totaling 9,980,465 tons compared to 7,654,081 tons in 2023.

Q5. What was the change in solid bulk cargo for 2024?

A5. Solid bulk cargo increased by 6.23 percent, reaching 52,117,108 tons from 49,060,740 tons in 2023.

Q6. How did liquid bulk cargo perform in 2024?

A6. Liquid bulk cargo rose by 16.29 percent, totaling 177,435,836 tons compared to 152,577,817 tons in 2023.

Q7. What was the increase in livestock imports in 2024?

A7. Livestock imports increased by 19.63 percent, totaling 9,719,343 head compared to 8,124,842 in 2023.

Q8. How did overall container throughput change in 2024?

A8. Overall container throughput decreased by 10.93 percent, totaling 7,521,085 TEUs compared to 8,443,784 TEUs in 2023.

Q9. What was the decline in transshipment containers?

A9. Transshipment containers experienced a sharp decline of 46.74 percent, totaling 1,724,184 TEUs compared to 3,237,490 TEUs in 2023.

Q10. How did vessel traffic change in 2024?

A10. Vessel traffic dropped by 4.56 percent, with 11,579 ships handled compared to 12,132 in 2023.

Q11. What was the change in passenger numbers?

A11. Passenger numbers fell by 27.02 percent, totaling 736,177 compared to 1,008,730 in 2023.

Q12. How did vehicle handling perform in 2024?

A12. Vehicle handling decreased by 4.38 percent, totaling 1,088,615 vehicles compared to 1,138,463 in 2023.

Q13. What were the December 2024 cargo throughput figures?

A13. In December 2024, Mawani recorded a 9.27 percent increase in cargo throughput, totaling 27,461,857 tons, up from 25,132,181 tons in December 2023.

Q14. How did container handling perform in December 2024?

A14. Container handling in December 2024 increased by 5.77 percent, totaling 711,170 TEUs compared to 672,373 TEUs in December 2023.

Q15. What does Mawani attribute these achievements to?

A15. Mawani attributes the achievements to ongoing advancements in operational efficiency and infrastructure development, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous maritime sector.

Q16. How do these results support Saudi Arabia’s economic growth?

A16. The results support Saudi Arabia’s economic and trade growth by bolstering national export and import activities, enhancing the Kingdom’s role as a global logistics hub.

Q17. What strategy aligns with these port developments?

A17. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030 aligns with these developments, aiming to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.

Q18. What is the significance of the increase in general cargo?

A18. The 30.39 percent increase in general cargo indicates heightened industrial activity and infrastructure development, supporting economic diversification.

Q19. Why did transshipment containers decline?

A19. The decline in transshipment containers may reflect shifts in global shipping alliances and route optimization, as well as changes in market dynamics.

Q20. How does this performance align with Vision 2030?

A20. The performance aligns with Vision 2030 by advancing economic diversification, enhancing infrastructure, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading logistics hub connecting three continents.

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