Mawani Container Throughput Rises in March 2024

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recorded a 12.48% increase in the number of imported containers in March 2024, which reached a capacity of 265,148 TEUs, compared to 235,738 TEUs in the same month of 2023.
The increase is testimony to the success of Mawani efforts in support of the maritime sector and logistics services, in line with the targets of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), whose goal is to solidify the Kingdom’s standing as a global logistics hub bridging three continents, according to a Mawani news release.
Mawani also registered an 8.56% increase in the number of exported containers, which reached 212,672 TEUs, compared to 195,895 TEUs in 2023, reflecting the success of endeavors to increase handling capacity and the competitive edge of the ports.
The total cargo handled increased by 3.77%, to reach 19,645,292 tons, compared to 18,931,624 tons in the same month last year.
According to the statement, the general cargo increased by 53.74%, to reach 804,837 tons, compared to 523,513 tons in the same month of 2023, while the amount of liquid bulk cargo increased by 8.10%, to reach 14,742,797 tons, compared to 13,637,516 tons in 2023.
The amount of solid bulk goods, however, reached 3,940,701 tons, marking a decrease of 14.11% compared to 4,588,115 tons last year. Handled containers reached 561,484 TEUs, marking a decrease of 9.85% compared to 622,856 TEUs last year.
The number of container transshipment also decreased by 48.21%, to reach 142,497 TEUs, compared to 275,150 TEUs in 2023.
Ports recorded a discharge rate of 961,131 cattle heads, marking an increase of 54.12% over the 623,644 cattle heads in 2023.
Maritime traffic featured a 3.01% decrease, recording 968 ships, compared to 998 ships in 2023, while the number of passengers decreased by 51.01%, reaching 62,507, compared to 127,599 passengers last year. The number of cars also decreased by 17.34%, numbering 67,638, compared to 81,826 in 2023.
Mawani is developing the infrastructure of its ports by laying the cornerstone for the development and operation of the two container terminals at King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, an investment worth SAR7 billion, and developing the Jeddah Islamic Port North Container Terminal, a SAR1 billion investments. This led to the Kingdom scoring 248 points in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, according to the UNCTAD report for Q1 of 2024.