SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Ports Authority has strengthened regional maritime connectivity with the launch of a new shipping link between the Kingdom and Bahrain through MSC’s Gulf Shuttle service via King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
The service connects Dammam with Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, offering capacity of up to 3,000 TEUs as part of broader efforts to enhance cargo movement across the Gulf.
New Services Expand Maritime Capacity
Following the onset of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Mawani has added five new maritime shipping services in partnership with MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd.
Combined capacity reaches approximately 63,594 TEUs, increasing operational flexibility for exporters and importers while mitigating the impact of disruptions to major maritime corridors.
Red Sea Corridors Bypass Strait of Hormuz
In a parallel initiative announced March 12, Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser launched a Logistics Corridors Initiative aimed at rerouting cargo from Gulf states and eastern ports toward Red Sea gateways.
The plan links ports across the Gulf Cooperation Council with Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and Yanbu Commercial Port on the Red Sea. Cargo will then be transported overland to relevant Gulf markets, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz entirely
Integrated Maritime Services for Vessels
Mawani has also launched an initiative to support vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf by leveraging facilities across Eastern Region ports to provide integrated maritime services.
The offering includes food and medical supplies, crew change services, bunkering, and water supply.
For food industry investors, these support services translate into reduced vessel turnaround times and more predictable shipping schedules. When ships can access supplies and services without delay, cargo moves faster and supply chain reliability improves.
Demonstrated Operational Flexibility
Highlighting Saudi ports’ adaptability, an exceptional shipment of 27 wind turbine blades weighing 6,904 tonnes recently arrived at Yanbu Commercial Port after being rerouted from Jubail Commercial Port.
Each blade measures 100 metres in length, demonstrating the capability to handle large-scale project cargo even when routing plans shift.
For stakeholders in the food and investment sectors, Saudi Arabia’s expansion of maritime infrastructure and logistics corridors represents a significant effort to stabilize Middle Eastern trade routes and secure the movement of essential commodities.
Moreover, the combination of new shipping services, Red Sea bypass routes, and integrated vessel support creates a more resilient supply chain architecture capable of withstanding geopolitical volatility.
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