Mawani Partners With Safeen To Launch UIG Shipping Service At King Abdul Aziz Port

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and global connectivity of Saudi ports, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the introduction of a new shipping service by Abu Dhabi Ports' Safeen. This service, known as UIG, will be operational at King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, marking a pivotal step towards increasing the movement of exports and imports through this vital port.

The initiative is part of Mawani's strategic efforts to bolster the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index with leading global shipping lines. This enhancement is expected to elevate the competitiveness of Saudi ports and strengthen their links with key ports across the East and West. Such developments are in harmony with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), aiming to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global logistics hub that connects three continents.

The UIG shipping service will establish direct connections between King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam and six regional and international ports. These include Mundra, Kandla, and Nhava Sheva in India; Umm Qasr in Iraq; Hamad in Qatar; and Khalifa in Abu Dhabi. The service promises regular weekly trips and boasts a capacity of up to 3,700 TEUs, demonstrating Mawani's commitment to providing top-tier maritime services to its regional and international clientele.

2023 has been a landmark year for King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, with the addition of 12 maritime shipping services. This achievement underscores the port's capability to offer world-class maritime solutions and its role as an integrated commercial gateway that connects Saudi Arabia with the global market. The port is equipped with 43 berths, boasting a total capacity of 105 million tons, ready to accommodate the growing demands of international trade.

This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision to enhance its logistics and transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating smoother trade flows and contributing to the country's economic growth. By improving connectivity and operational efficiency, Mawani aims to attract more international shipping lines to use Saudi ports as key nodes in their global shipping networks.

With inputs from SPA