Mawani Adds CSTAR LINE IMB1 Service to Jeddah Port

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the new IMB1 shipping service, operated by CSTAR LINE, to Jeddah Islamic Port, effective April 21, 2025. The new service is part of Mawani’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime connectivity between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world, while supporting the movement of national exports and imports. This initiative aligns with Mawani’s broader strategy to facilitate smooth trade between Saudi ports and regional and international ports, boosting operational efficiency to maximize the Kingdom’s competitive advantage. It also supports the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub and a vital link between three continents. The announcement, released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its maritime infrastructure and strengthening its role in global trade.

Jeddah Islamic Port, located on the Red Sea coast, is the Kingdom’s largest port and a critical gateway for trade. The addition of the IMB1 service is expected to further elevate its status as a strategic logistics hub. With a total capacity of 2,100 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), the service will connect Jeddah Islamic Port with the ports of Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, Evyap in Türkiye, Novorossiysk in Russia, and Jebel Ali in the UAE. This new route not only expands the port’s connectivity but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a pivotal link between Asia, Europe, and Africa. As the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, such developments are vital for enhancing non-oil trade and attracting foreign investment.

Context and Background

Why is the addition of a single shipping service to Jeddah Islamic Port such a significant development for Saudi Arabia’s trade ambitions? The answer lies in the Kingdom’s broader strategy to transform itself into a global logistics powerhouse. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched in 2021, aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from 6% to 10% by 2030, and to elevate Saudi Arabia’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index from 49th to 10th. Mawani, as the regulatory and operational body for the Kingdom’s ports, has been at the forefront of this transformation, investing heavily in infrastructure, digitalization, and partnerships with major global shipping lines.

Jeddah Islamic Port, with its strategic location on the Red Sea, handles a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s maritime trade. It serves as a hub for transshipment to other regional ports and is a key entry point for goods destined for the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. In recent years, Mawani has undertaken numerous upgrades at the port, including the deepening of berths, the installation of advanced crane systems, and the implementation of smart port technologies. These efforts have not only increased capacity but also improved efficiency, reducing turnaround times for vessels and cargo. The addition of the IMB1 service by CSTAR LINE is a direct result of these improvements, as global carriers seek reliable and efficient ports to include in their networks.

Moreover, the new service reflects the growing trade ties between Saudi Arabia and the countries it connects. India, Türkiye, Russia, and the UAE are all important trading partners for the Kingdom. India is a major source of food staples, textiles, and machinery, while Türkiye and Russia are key suppliers of construction materials, grains, and energy-related equipment. The UAE, particularly Jebel Ali Port, is a major transshipment hub and a close ally in regional trade. By linking these ports directly with Jeddah, the IMB1 service will facilitate smoother and faster movement of goods, benefiting importers and exporters alike.

Key Details of the IMB1 Service

What exactly does the IMB1 service entail, and how will it operate? Operated by CSTAR LINE, a shipping company known for its niche services in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions, the IMB1 service will deploy vessels with a total capacity of 2,100 TEUs. The rotation includes Jeddah Islamic Port, Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, Evyap in Türkiye, Novorossiysk in Russia, and Jebel Ali in the UAE. This rotation is designed to cater to the trade flows between these regions, offering direct connections that reduce transit times and costs. The service is expected to call at Jeddah Islamic Port on a weekly basis, providing a reliable schedule for shippers.

The capacity of 2,100 TEUs, while modest compared to some ultra-large container ships, is well-suited for the trade volumes on this route. It allows for flexible deployment and efficient port calls, especially in ports like Evyap and Novorossiysk, which may have draft restrictions. The inclusion of Jebel Ali is strategic, as it allows for transshipment to other destinations in the Gulf and beyond. For Saudi exporters, this service opens up new opportunities to reach markets in India, Türkiye, and Russia more efficiently. For importers, it means access to a wider range of goods at competitive prices.

Mawani’s partnership with CSTAR LINE is part of a series of similar agreements with global carriers. In recent months, Mawani has added several new services at Jeddah Islamic Port and other Saudi ports, including those operated by Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. These partnerships are crucial for expanding the port’s maritime service network and enhancing its competitiveness. They also contribute to the Kingdom’s goal of increasing the number of direct shipping lines and reducing dependence on transshipment through foreign hubs. By attracting more direct services, Mawani is not only boosting local trade but also creating jobs and stimulating economic activity in the logistics sector.

International and Regional Impact

How will the IMB1 service influence regional trade dynamics and Saudi Arabia’s relations with key partners? The new route strengthens Saudi Arabia’s economic ties with India, Türkiye, Russia, and the UAE, all of which are important players in the region. For India, the direct link to Jeddah facilitates the export of goods such as rice, spices, and textiles, which are in high demand in the Kingdom. It also supports India’s own trade ambitions, as Jeddah serves as a gateway to the broader Middle East and North Africa. For Türkiye and Russia, the service provides access to the Red Sea market, which is vital for their construction and agricultural exports. The UAE, with its advanced logistics infrastructure, benefits from increased transshipment volumes through Jebel Ali.

On a broader scale, the IMB1 service contributes to the stability and efficiency of global supply chains. In the wake of recent disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the need for diversified and resilient trade routes has become paramount. By offering an alternative route that bypasses the Suez Canal for some cargo, or complements it, the service adds flexibility to global shipping networks. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a neutral and reliable trade partner, capable of facilitating commerce even in challenging times. This is particularly important as the Kingdom seeks to attract foreign investment and become a hub for multinational companies.

Regionally, the service enhances the Red Sea’s role as a critical maritime corridor. The Red Sea connects Europe, Asia, and Africa, and carries a significant portion of global trade. By expanding the range of services at Jeddah Islamic Port, Mawani is helping to cement the Red Sea’s status as a preferred route for shipping lines. This, in turn, boosts the Kingdom’s geopolitical influence and its ability to shape regional trade policies. Furthermore, the service supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative by promoting more efficient shipping, which can reduce emissions per ton of cargo compared to less direct routes.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does the IMB1 service mean for Saudi Arabia’s economy and its long-term strategic goals? The addition of new shipping services is a direct contributor to the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP. The logistics sector is a key pillar of Vision 2030, and Mawani’s efforts to expand port capacity and connectivity are designed to increase its share of the economy. By facilitating trade, the new service helps local businesses access international markets, reduces import costs, and stimulates industrial activity. It also generates revenue for the port through port fees, pilotage, and other services. Moreover, the improved connectivity makes Saudi Arabia a more attractive location for foreign companies looking to establish regional distribution centers.

Strategically, the IMB1 service reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a bridge between three continents. The Kingdom’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa is a natural advantage, but realizing its full potential requires world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity. Mawani’s investments in Jeddah Islamic Port, including the development of new terminals and the adoption of smart port technologies, are aimed at creating a logistics ecosystem that can compete with the best in the world. The new service is a vote of confidence in these efforts by CSTAR LINE and its partners. It also supports the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), which seeks to localize industries and boost exports.

Furthermore, the service aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal of increasing the private sector’s contribution to the economy. CSTAR LINE, as a private operator, is investing in the route and will employ Saudi nationals and contribute to the local economy. Mawani’s role as an enabler, providing the infrastructure and regulatory framework, exemplifies the public-private partnership model that Vision 2030 promotes. This collaboration is expected to yield further benefits as the service matures and potentially expands to other Saudi ports, such as King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam or King Abdullah Port in Rabigh.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the IMB1 service specifically advance the objectives of Vision 2030? Vision 2030 aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil, and the logistics sector is one of the key non-oil sectors targeted for growth. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, sets ambitious targets: to increase the sector’s GDP contribution to 10%, to handle 40 million containers annually, and to rank among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index. The addition of the IMB1 service is a tangible step toward these targets. It increases the number of direct shipping services at Jeddah Islamic Port, enhances its capacity utilization, and demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to attract global carriers.

Moreover, the service supports the Vision 2030 goal of enhancing the quality of life for citizens by ensuring the efficient supply of goods and reducing prices. It also contributes to the development of human capital, as the logistics sector requires skilled workers in areas such as port operations, customs clearance, and supply chain management. Mawani has been investing in training programs to equip Saudi youth with these skills. As the Kingdom continues to implement its Vision 2030 reforms, initiatives like the IMB1 service will play a crucial role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub and a leading economy. The future looks promising, with more such developments expected as Mawani pursues its mission to connect the Kingdom with the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the IMB1 shipping service?

A1. The IMB1 is a new shipping service operated by CSTAR LINE that connects Jeddah Islamic Port with ports in India, Türkiye, Russia, and the UAE. It has a capacity of 2,100 TEUs and aims to enhance maritime connectivity and trade for Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Which company operates the IMB1 service?

A2. The service is operated by CSTAR LINE, a shipping company that specializes in routes within the Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions. CSTAR LINE partners with Mawani to provide reliable and efficient maritime transport solutions.

Q3. What is the capacity of the IMB1 service?

A3. The IMB1 service has a total capacity of 2,100 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This capacity is suitable for the trade volumes on the route and allows for flexible deployment across the ports of call.

Q4. Which ports are included in the IMB1 rotation?

A4. The rotation includes Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia, Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, Evyap in Türkiye, Novorossiysk in Russia, and Jebel Ali in the UAE. This route facilitates direct trade between these key economic hubs.

Q5. When did the IMB1 service begin?

A5. The service was announced on April 21, 2025, by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) via the Saudi Press Agency. Operations are expected to commence shortly thereafter, with weekly calls at Jeddah Islamic Port.

Q6. Why is Jeddah Islamic Port important for this service?

A6. Jeddah Islamic Port is Saudi Arabia’s largest port and a strategic gateway on the Red Sea. Its advanced infrastructure and location make it an ideal hub for the IMB1 service, connecting the Kingdom to key markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Q7. How does this service benefit Saudi exports?

A7. The IMB1 service provides Saudi exporters with direct access to markets in India, Türkiye, Russia, and the UAE. This reduces transit times and costs, making Saudi products more competitive and supporting the growth of non-oil exports.

Q8. What is Mawani’s role in this initiative?

A8. Mawani, the Saudi Ports Authority, is responsible for regulating and developing the Kingdom’s ports. It facilitated the addition of the IMB1 service by providing world-class infrastructure, efficient operations, and a supportive regulatory environment for global shipping lines.

Q9. How does the IMB1 service align with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy?

A9. The service supports the strategy’s goals of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, increasing the sector’s GDP contribution, and enhancing maritime connectivity. It is a concrete step toward achieving the strategy’s targets by 2030.

Q10. What are the economic benefits of the IMB1 service for Saudi Arabia?

A10. The service boosts trade, attracts foreign investment, creates jobs in the logistics sector, and increases port revenues. It also enhances the Kingdom’s competitiveness and supports economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Q11. How does the service impact regional trade?

A11. It strengthens trade ties between Saudi Arabia and India, Türkiye, Russia, and the UAE. By providing direct connections, it reduces reliance on transshipment and enhances the efficiency of regional supply chains, benefiting all participating economies.

Q12. What types of goods will be shipped on the IMB1 service?

A12. The service will handle a variety of containerized cargo, including consumer goods, textiles, machinery, foodstuffs, and construction materials. It caters to the import and export needs of the countries along the route.

Q13. How does the IMB1 service contribute to Vision 2030?

A13. It advances Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, boosting non-oil trade, and enhancing the logistics sector. It also supports the goal of making Saudi Arabia a global logistics hub and a bridge between three continents.

Q14. Will the IMB1 service create job opportunities?

A14. Yes, the service is expected to generate employment in port operations, shipping agencies, customs brokerage, and related logistics services. It also supports skills development for Saudi nationals in the maritime sector.

Q15. What is the significance of the Red Sea in this context?

A15. The Red Sea is a vital maritime corridor connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Jeddah Islamic Port’s location on the Red Sea makes it a strategic hub for the IMB1 service, enhancing the Kingdom’s role in global trade.

Q16. How does Mawani support global shipping lines?

A16. Mawani provides modern infrastructure, digital services, and efficient port operations. It also offers incentives and streamlined procedures to attract global carriers, as demonstrated by the addition of the IMB1 service with CSTAR LINE.

Q17. What other shipping services has Mawani added recently?

A17. Mawani has recently added several services, including those by Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. These additions reflect the growing confidence of global shipping lines in Saudi ports and their strategic location.

Q18. How does the IMB1 service enhance Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness?

A18. By expanding direct connectivity and reducing transit times, the service makes Saudi ports more attractive to shippers. It also improves the Kingdom’s ranking in global logistics indices and supports its ambition to be a top 10 logistics performer.

Q19. What is the expected frequency of the IMB1 service?

A19. The IMB1 service is expected to operate on a weekly basis, providing a reliable schedule for importers and exporters. This frequency ensures consistent cargo flow and efficient supply chain planning.

Q20. How can businesses use the IMB1 service?

A20. Businesses can contact CSTAR LINE or their freight forwarders to book cargo on the IMB1 service. Mawani’s customer service channels also provide information on shipping schedules, port procedures, and related logistics support.

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