Saudi ports near 700,000 TEU mark in March

Saudi Arabia’s trade hubs have experienced a significant increase in container volumes last month.

The data released by the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) showed that in March 2023, the country’s ports handled 693,523 TEU, a 21.14 per cent increase from the same period last year, which saw 572,475 TEU.

The container data also showed a 17.74 per cent rise in exports and a 37.05 per cent increase in imported containers, with transshipments increasing by 12.83 per cent compared to the previous year.

The monthly cargo tonnage reported in March also indicated a 5.81 per cent uptick from the previous year.

READ: Saudi ports record 7.76 per cent container volume rise in February

Saudi Arabia’s busiest port, Jeddah Islamic Port, is reducing its carbon footprint by cutting back on crane activity and truck turnaround times, with the aim of reducing emissions by 1,046 tonnes in 2023.

The measures are part of MAWANI’s Green Ports initiative, which aims to cut energy consumption by 15 per cent and electrify equipment and phase out diesel at the Kingdom’s trade hubs.