Mawani: Cargo Tonnage Up 9.11% in July 2024, Livestock Imports Surge

Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) reported a 9.11% increase in total cargo handling tonnage for July 2024, reaching 27,382,403 tons compared to 25,096,888 tons in the same month of 2023. The data, released by Mawani on August 8, 2024, highlights continued growth in key segments, including a 15.72% rise in inbound containers to 271,465 and a 127.60% surge in livestock imports to 506,016 heads. These figures underscore the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance trade efficiency and supply chain capacity.

Context and Background

Mawani oversees a network of ports that serve as critical gateways for Saudi Arabia’s trade, supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), a pillar of Vision 2030. The Authority aims to solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub by boosting cargo volumes, improving infrastructure, and attracting international shipping lines. July’s performance reflects a strategic focus on increasing handling capacity and streamlining operations, despite global maritime challenges.

Key Details

According to Mawani data, inbound containers saw a notable 15.72% increase to 271,465, driven by import demand, while outbound containers declined 2.50% to 243,758. Total general cargo reached 701,606 tons, solid bulk cargo was 4,482,634 tons, and liquid bulk cargo 15,349,511 tons. Transshipment containers dropped 51.73% to 129,797, reflecting shifts in global shipping patterns. Maritime traffic decreased 11.24% to 908 ships, and passenger numbers fell 31.80% to 52,191, while vehicle traffic declined 8.64% to 90,471. Livestock imports surged 127.60% to 506,016 heads, supporting food security goals.

Implications and Impact

The increase in overall tonnage and inbound container traffic signals robust import activity, particularly in bulk commodities and livestock, which are vital for domestic consumption and food supply resilience. The decline in transshipment and outbound containers may reflect regional logistics adjustments, but Mawani’s focus on throughput efficiency aligns with NTLS targets to boost the Kingdom’s logistics sector. Ports like King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and King Abdullah Port continue to attract investments, enhancing connectivity and trade flows across the region.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Mawani’s July performance aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, raising the logistics sector’s contribution to GDP and creating jobs. By expanding cargo handling capacity and modernizing port infrastructure, the Authority supports economic diversification and international trade integration. Continued progress in cargo throughput and handling efficiency positions Saudi ports for long-term growth and global competitiveness.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the percentage increase in total cargo handling tonnage in July 2024 according to Mawani?

A1. Mawani reported a 9.11% increase in total cargo handling tonnage for July 2024, reaching 27,382,403 tons compared to 25,096,888 tons in July 2023.

Q2. How many inbound containers were handled in July 2024?

A2. The number of inbound containers reached 271,465 in July 2024, a 15.72% increase from 234,592 containers in the same month of 2023.

Q3. Did outbound containers increase or decrease in July 2024?

A3. Outbound containers decreased by 2.50% to 243,758 in July 2024, compared to 250,003 containers in July 2023.

Q4. What volume of general cargo was handled at Mawani ports in July 2024?

A4. General cargo amounted to 701,606 tons in July 2024, as part of the total cargo handling reported by Mawani.

Q5. How much solid bulk cargo was processed in July 2024?

A5. Solid bulk cargo reached 4,482,634 tons in July 2024, contributing to the overall tonnage increase at Mawani ports.

Q6. What was the liquid bulk cargo volume in July 2024?

A6. Liquid bulk cargo totaled 15,349,511 tons in July 2024, reflecting sustained industrial and energy-related imports.

Q7. How many heads of livestock were imported in July 2024?

A7. Mawani ports received 506,016 heads of livestock in July 2024, a 127.60% jump compared to 222,327 heads in July 2023.

Q8. What was the total number of containers handled in July 2024?

A8. Mawani handled 645,019 containers in July 2024, a decrease of 14.40% from 753,496 containers in July 2023.

Q9. How many transshipment containers were processed in July 2024?

A9. Transshipment containers decreased by 51.73% to 129,797 in July 2024, from 268,901 containers in July 2023.

Q10. Did maritime traffic at Mawani ports increase or decrease in July 2024?

A10. Maritime traffic declined by 11.24% to 908 ships in July 2024, compared to 1,023 ships in July 2023.

Q11. How many passengers were recorded at Mawani ports in July 2024?

A11. Passenger numbers dropped 31.80% to 52,191 in July 2024, from 76,532 passengers in July 2023.

Q12. What was the change in vehicle traffic at Mawani ports in July 2024?

A12. Vehicle traffic saw an 8.64% decrease to 90,471 units in July 2024, compared to 99,026 units in July 2023.

Q13. What was the cargo handling tonnage at Mawani ports in June 2024?

A13. In June 2024, Mawani ports achieved a 9.16% increase in cargo handling volumes, reaching 27,640,795 tons.

Q14. How did outbound containers perform in June 2024?

A14. Outbound containers rose by 7.78% to 228,031 in June 2024, compared to the previous year.

Q15. What was the increase in inbound containers in June 2024?

A15. Inbound containers increased by 9.85% to 245,569 in June 2024, as part of Mawani’s monthly performance.

Q16. What strategic initiative does Mawani’s performance support?

A16. Mawani’s performance supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

Q17. How does Mawani contribute to Vision 2030?

A17. Mawani boosts cargo throughput and port modernization, enhancing logistics sector growth and economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Q18. What is the role of Mawani as an authority?

A18. Mawani is the Saudi Ports Authority responsible for regulating and developing the Kingdom’s commercial ports to improve trade efficiency.

Q19. Are Mawani’s data releases posted on official channels?

A19. Yes, Mawani publishes performance data via official statements and the Saudi Press Agency, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Q20. What does the livestock import surge indicate?

A20. The 127.60% surge in livestock imports to 506,016 heads reflects strengthened food security efforts and import capacity at Saudi ports.

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