Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced the launch of five new maritime shipping services in cooperation with some of the world’s largest global shipping lines, as part of efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s maritime connectivity and integrate its ports with international markets.

According to the authority, the new services aim to enhance maritime links and improve the integration of Saudi ports, facilitating smoother cargo movement and expanding the Kingdom’s connections to global trade routes amid challenges affecting key maritime corridors, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

The newly launched services are operated in partnership with major global shipping companies, including the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd.

The five services — Gulf Shuttle, Redex, Jade, AE19, and SE4 — together provide a total handling capacity of 63,594 standard containers (TEUs). Individually, the Gulf Shuttle service offers a capacity of 3,000 TEUs, Redex 2,594 TEUs, Jade 24,000 TEUs, AE19 17,000 TEUs, and SE4 17,000 TEUs.

Mawani stated that the initiative will expand the network of global shipping lines serving Saudi ports, increase shipping route options, and diversify maritime logistics corridors.

The authority added that the move is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency, strengthen maritime connectivity across the Red Sea, support the integration of ports along the Kingdom’s western coast, and boost the capacity to accommodate growing cargo volumes.

The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position its ports as key logistics hubs linking regional and international trade flows.