Mawani Reports 7.82% Cargo Growth at Saudi Ports in September 2024

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced a 7.82% increase in total cargo tonnage handled at the Kingdom’s ports in September 2024, reaching 28,097,022 tons compared to 26,058,554 tons in September 2023. This growth underscores the Kingdom’s expanding role as a global logistics and trade hub, supported by ongoing investments in port infrastructure and digitalization under Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, oversees the development and operation of the Kingdom’s ports, which are vital to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and trade connectivity. The latest figures reflect the resilience and efficiency of Saudi ports amid global supply chain challenges. The increase in cargo tonnage aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key initiative of Vision 2030 that aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading logistics hub connecting three continents.

Key Details

According to official data released by Mawani, export containers rose by 9% to 255,606 TEUs, while import containers increased by 18% to 258,007 TEUs. General cargo reached 975,406 tons, bulk solid cargo stood at 4,473,019 tons, and bulk liquid cargo amounted to 15,277,608 tons. Livestock arrivals declined by 35.58% to 343,952 heads, and total container throughput fell by 8.08% to 673,124 TEUs. Transhipment containers decreased by 42.98% to 159,511 TEUs. Shipping traffic dropped by 5.18% to 988 ships, and passenger numbers fell by 39.46% to 44,166. Notably, car shipments increased by 10.51% to 98,087 units.

Implications and Impact

These results demonstrate the increasing capacity and competitiveness of Saudi ports on the global stage. The growth in cargo tonnage, particularly in exports and imports, signals robust trade activity and improved supply chain efficiency. The rise in car shipments highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing automotive market and its role as a distribution center. The decline in transhipment and passenger numbers may reflect seasonal fluctuations or shifting trade patterns, but overall, the ports’ performance supports the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a top-five global logistics hub. This progress attracts foreign investment, enhances regional connectivity, and contributes to economic diversification.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The achievements of Mawani are directly aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. By enhancing port infrastructure and operational efficiency, Mawani is helping to increase non-oil revenues, create jobs, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position in international trade. As the Kingdom continues to invest in mega-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, the role of Saudi ports will only grow, driving sustainable economic growth and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in logistics and transportation.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total cargo tonnage handled at Saudi ports in September 2024?

A1. The total cargo tonnage handled at Saudi ports in September 2024 was 28,097,022 tons, representing a 7.82% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Q2. How did export container volumes change in September 2024?

A2. Export containers rose by 9% to 255,606 TEUs in September 2024, up from 234,663 TEUs in September 2023, reflecting strong outbound trade activity.

Q3. What was the percentage increase in import containers?

A3. Import containers increased by 18% to 258,007 TEUs in September 2024, compared to 217,933 TEUs in the previous year, indicating robust domestic demand.

Q4. How much general cargo was handled?

A4. General cargo handled at Saudi ports in September 2024 totaled 975,406 tons, contributing to the overall cargo growth.

Q5. What was the volume of bulk solid cargo?

A5. Bulk solid cargo amounted to 4,473,019 tons in September 2024, reflecting the ports’ capacity to handle diverse cargo types.

Q6. How much bulk liquid cargo was handled?

A6. Bulk liquid cargo reached 15,277,608 tons in September 2024, underscoring the Kingdom’s significant role in liquid bulk trade.

Q7. What was the change in livestock arrivals?

A7. Livestock arrivals declined by 35.58% to 343,952 heads in September 2024, compared to 533,948 heads in September 2023, possibly due to market adjustments.

Q8. How did total container throughput perform?

A8. Total container throughput was 673,124 TEUs in September 2024, an 8.08% decrease from 732,319 TEUs in the previous year, partly due to lower transhipment volumes.

Q9. What was the decline in transhipment containers?

A9. Transhipment containers decreased by 42.98% to 159,511 TEUs in September 2024, down from 279,723 TEUs in September 2023, reflecting shifting trade routes.

Q10. How did shipping traffic change?

A10. Shipping traffic dropped by 5.18% to 988 ships in September 2024, compared to 1,042 ships in the same month of 2023, indicating a slight reduction in vessel calls.

Q11. What was the number of passengers?

A11. Passenger numbers fell by 39.46% to 44,166 in September 2024, down from 72,956 in September 2023, likely due to seasonal travel variations.

Q12. How did car shipments perform?

A12. Car shipments increased by 10.51% to 98,087 units in September 2024, up from 88,755 units in September 2023, highlighting growth in automotive trade.

Q13. What was Mawani’s reported cargo growth for August 2024?

A13. Mawani reported a 26.57% increase in cargo tonnage for August 2024, with exported containers growing by 18.76% to 258,955 TEUs.

Q14. Which strategy do these results support?

A14. These results support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.

Q15. What is Mawani’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A15. Mawani, the Saudi Ports Authority, oversees the development and operation of the Kingdom’s ports, enhancing trade connectivity and supporting economic diversification.

Q16. How does this growth align with Vision 2030?

A16. The growth aligns with Vision 2030 by boosting non-oil revenues, improving logistics infrastructure, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global investment and trade hub.

Q17. What are the implications for international trade?

A17. The increase in cargo tonnage enhances Saudi Arabia’s role in global supply chains, attracting foreign investment and strengthening trade links with Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Q18. Why did transhipment containers decline?

A18. The decline in transhipment containers may be due to shifts in global trade routes or increased direct shipping, but overall port efficiency remains strong.

Q19. How does the rise in car shipments impact the economy?

A19. The rise in car shipments reflects growing automotive demand and positions Saudi Arabia as a key distribution center, contributing to economic growth and diversification.

Q20. What future developments can be expected for Saudi ports?

A20. With continued investments in infrastructure and technology, Saudi ports are expected to further expand capacity and efficiency, supporting Vision 2030 goals and global trade leadership.

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