14/01/2026 02:00 AST

Saudi ports supervised by the Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, have recorded a 10.58 percent year-on-year increase in the number of containers handled during 2025 by 10.58 percent to reach 8.3 million standard containers, compared to 7.5 million standard containers last year.

Transshipment containers achieved an 11.78 percent rise, to reach 1.9 million standard containers, compared to 1.7 million standard containers in the same period last year.

The total number of outgoing containers rose by 11.72 percent to reach 3.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units, compared to 2.8 million TEUs, while the total number of incoming containers increased by 8.82 percent to reach 3.2 million TEUs, compared to 2.9 million TEUs last year.

The total tonnage handled, general cargo, solid bulk cargo, and liquid bulk cargo, recorded an increase of 1.06 percent, reaching 242 million tonnes compared to 239 million tonnes in 2024. The total general cargo amounted to 12 million tonnes, liquid bulk cargo to 176 million tonnes, and solid bulk cargo to 53 million tonnes.

Passenger numbers increased by 47.07 percent to reach 1.8 million passengers, compared to 736,177 passengers last year.

Shipping traffic decreased by 17.98 percent to reach 9,508 ships, compared to 11,592 during the same period last year.

The number of vehicles decreased by 4.92 percent to reach 1.03 million, compared to 1.08 million last year.

Ports received 8.9 million head of cattle, a decrease of 7.55 percent compared to 9.7 million during the same period last year.

The increase in the number of containers handled contributes to several economic benefits, including boosting trade and stimulating industries and sectors related to maritime transport.

It also contributes to fostering growth in tourism, maritime activity, and associated services, supporting supply chains, as well as the Kingdom's food security, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub.

It is worth noting that the ports overseen by Mawani achieved a 12.5 percent increase in the number of containers handled during December, reaching 800,089 TEUs, compared to 711,170 TEUs in 2024.

Transshipment containers also saw a 19.25 percent increase, reaching 188,995 TEUs, compared to 158,491 TEUs during the same period last year.


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