Mawani Strengthens Saudi-European Trade With New Levante Express Service

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has recently inaugurated the Levante Express service in collaboration with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) at the Jeddah Islamic Port. This strategic move, initiated in April, aims to enhance the port's connectivity with key locations across northern and southern Europe. The introduction of this service is a testament to the confidence investors have in the operational efficiency of Jeddah Islamic Port and its capacity to manage a wide range of cargo types and vessel sizes.

This initiative is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), which seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a pivotal logistics hub bridging three continents. The Levante Express is set to offer direct routes from Jeddah Islamic Port to several major European destinations, including La Spezia and Naples in Italy, Mersin in Türkiye, and Alexandria in Egypt. With its schedule of regular weekly departures and an impressive handling capacity of up to 15,000 TEUs, the service is poised to deliver substantial benefits to exporters, importers, and shipping agents alike.

Mawani's commitment to ongoing development is evident in its efforts to bolster Jeddah Islamic Port's competitive position on the global stage, with aspirations to secure a spot among the top 10 worldwide ports. The port has seen significant enhancements, particularly with the completion of SAR6.6 billion worth of upgrades at the Northern Container Terminal earlier this year. These improvements have notably augmented the port's operational capabilities, expanded its handling capacity, and refined its logistics services.

The launch of the Levante Express by MSC at Jeddah Islamic Port underscores a significant leap forward in Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leading global logistics hub. This development not only reflects the growing confidence among investors in the port's capabilities but also aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategic goals under the NTLS. With its direct connections to crucial European ports and enhanced operational efficiency, the Levante Express is set to play a key role in facilitating international trade and bolstering economic growth in the region.

With inputs from SPA