RIYADH: Saudi ports witnessed a record-breaking performance during the first eight months of 2022, handling 212.4 million tons of freight compared to 187 million tons during the same period of the previous year,
According to the latest data released by the Saudi Ports Authority, also known as Mawani, general cargo volumes were up 8.93 percent to reach 5.7 million tons, whereas dry bulk cargo rose 7.16 percent to 32.7 million tons.
Liquid bulk cargo increased by 25.47 percent to 120.5 million tons during the same period.
Saudi ports received 538,265 cars between January and August, 16.08 percent higher than last year’s count of 463,704 vehicles.
Passenger traffic also climbed up during the same period by 42.85 percent to 610,060 passengers, compared to 427,075 passengers recorded in 2021.
Similarly, the livestock volumes increased by 5.42 percent to reach nearly 3 million heads compared to 2.8 million heads in 2021.
This growth is attributed to optimized productivity and performance as well as enhanced operational and logistical capabilities of Saudi ports, Mawani said.
Saudi ports handle 90 percent of the Kingdom’s exports and 70 percent of its imports.
Mawani attributed the Saudi ports' performance to the initiatives undertaken to develop the maritime sector aiming at creating solutions, operating models, and various frameworks to stimulate growth and enable investment.
The performance is also a result of extending the exemption period for general cargo to 21 days, as well as enhancing the operational efficiency by restructuring procedures and implementing the latest technology, Mawani said.
