Saudi Arabia Expands Red Sea Shipping Routes Amid Strait of Hormuz Risks
Saudi Arabia now ships more via Red Sea as trade steers away from Hormuz

Image: Gulf News
Saudi Arabia is enhancing its cargo shipping routes across the Red Sea to bolster supply-chain resilience and mitigate disruptions linked to security risks around the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Ports Authority has launched new services connecting with Oman, Djibouti, Egypt, and Jordan, aimed at improving trade links and reducing shipping costs.
- 01The new shipping service from Jeddah Islamic Port to Salalah, Oman, and Djibouti has a capacity of 1,730 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
- 02The 'Red Sea Express' service connects King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu with Ain Sokhna, Egypt, and Aqaba, Jordan, carrying up to 1,100 TEUs.
- 03Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasizes logistics and transport infrastructure as key to becoming a global trade hub.
- 04King Fahd Industrial Port has an annual handling capacity of approximately 210 million tonnes.
- 05The expansion reflects increasing competition among Gulf countries to enhance their maritime infrastructure and logistics services.
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Saudi Arabia is strategically expanding its cargo shipping routes across the Red Sea to strengthen supply-chain resilience and address security concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, has initiated new cargo services linking Saudi ports with Oman, Djibouti, Egypt, and Jordan. Notably, the service connecting Jeddah Islamic Port with Salalah and Djibouti can carry up to 1,730 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), enhancing trade connectivity and efficiency. Additionally, the newly launched 'Red Sea Express' service links King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu with Ain Sokhna in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan, designed to support non-oil exports and reduce cargo waiting times. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to transform the kingdom into a global trade hub by improving logistics infrastructure. As the Red Sea gains strategic importance for global trade, Saudi Arabia is investing in digital systems and port automation to enhance operational performance and attract foreign investment. Overall, these developments position Saudi Arabia as a competitive player in the regional logistics landscape.
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The expansion of shipping routes is expected to enhance trade connectivity and reduce shipping costs for businesses in Saudi Arabia and the region.
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