The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the launch of a new shipping service from Jeddah Islamic Port to expand its trade and logistics strategies.
The new line (IO3) will be linking Jeddah Islamic Port with the Indian Ocean and northern European ports. The service will consist of seven vessels with a capacity equivalent to 8,500 standard containers per vessel, approximately 48 vessels per year, which will allow a greater cargo capacity.
Mawani said the new service reflects the confidence global shipping lines have in its operational efficiency, as well as the prominent position of the Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP) and connectivity to key ports in the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East.
The new shipping line is as part of its initiatives launched under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), building on its achievements during the past year with the support of the Saudi logistics sector and the guidance of His Excellency the Minister of Transport.
The effort has been to enhance the international connectivity of ports and attract major shipping companies in line with the strategic objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the Kingdom’s position in the investment and logistics arena.
Through the launch of the new line, Mawani aims to enhance the status of Jeddah Islamic Port as a direct point of connectivity between the ports of the East and the West, enabling the port to benefit from its strategic location between three key continents.
It will also help strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading hub for logistics services and a facilitator of global supply chains, contributing to increased transshipment levels and attracting the largest number of ships operating on the Red Sea coast.
Besides, it will make available additional shipping lines for local and international importers and exporters, raising the competitiveness of Saudi ports services and improving their operations. The new line will also help establish attractive logistics centres for investors in the ports sector.
