MSC launches service to boost Saudi-East Asia trade
Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, announced that MSC will launch the new 'Clanga' line at the Jubail Commercial Port, adding that it will strengthen the Kingdom's position in investment and logistics, according to the country's official press agency.
The service will connect Jubail Commercial Port with King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Port of Singapore, and Port of Shanghai in China, as well as Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka, with a handling capacity of up to 6,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.
This move is expected to boost foreign investment and improve supply chain efficiency. It also aligns with Mawani's efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi ports and support national exports, as well as the National Transport and Logistics Strategy's goal of establishing the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.
Mawani said in a statement that the addition of the service to the Jubail port highlights its strategic role in enhancing maritime transport and logistics while supporting economic activities in the Eastern Province.
The authority added that the port's proximity to production hubs, coupled with advanced infrastructure, allows it to accommodate vessels of various types and sizes, further strengthening Saudi Arabia's connectivity with global terminals.
As a key facilitator of national exports, particularly industrial and petrochemical products from Jubail Industrial City, the port plays a crucial role in boosting the Kingdom's global trade competitiveness, Mawani emphasized.
In August, MSC introduced the service at the King Abdulaziz Port, connecting the city with major terminals in China, including Ningbo, Shanghai, and Shekou, as well as Singapore.
Mawani announced at that time that the service would operate weekly voyages with a capacity of up to 15,000 TEU.
In a statement, MSC said the service was designed to address terminal congestion issues in the Middle East and enhance connectivity for Asia-Middle East cargo.
The shipping company, which won the 'Best Shipping Line – Asia-Africa' award at the 2024 Asian Freight, Logistics, and Supply Chain Awards, further said that Clanga would offer a unique and competitive service for Saudi exports to the Far East through its direct call in Shanghai from Dammam.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
33 minutes ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Vehicle Congestion at King Abdulaziz Port Prompts Urgent Action by Saudi Ports Authority
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has launched urgent measures to address growing congestion at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, particularly in areas designated for vehicle storage. According to sources, the authority is urging importers to quickly complete customs clearance procedures to prevent further delays. The authority has shortened the clearance period for shipments in storage yards as part of efforts to boost trade flows with global markets, stimulate maritime-related sectors, improve supply chain efficiency, and support maritime activity. The measures are aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub and key player in international trade. The authority highlighted challenges posed by the increasing number of incoming ships and imported cargo, noting that storage areas are becoming congested, particularly with vehicles. Delays in clearing shipments by some importers have disrupted vessel handling operations, underscoring the need for immediate action. Mawani stressed that efficient port operations require cooperation from all beneficiaries, particularly vehicle agents and other importers with cargo at King Abdulaziz Port. It urged all parties to complete clearance and take delivery of shipments promptly to avoid operational disruptions, and confirmed that new vehicles meet all customs requirements and can be cleared and collected immediately upon unloading. The ports supervised by the authority recorded a 12.01 percent increase in handled containers in July, reaching 722,502 TEUs compared to 645,019 TEUs in the same period last year. Transit containers rose 35.34 percent to 175,666 TEUs, up from 129,797 TEUs in 2024. Export containers increased by 12.86 percent to 275,098 TEUs, compared to 243,757 TEUs previously. Inbound containers saw a slight increase of 0.10 percent, totaling 271,738 TEUs versus 271,465 TEUs last year. Overall cargo throughput, including general cargo, solid bulk, and liquid bulk, rose 2.81 percent to 21.18 million tons, compared to 20.60 million tons in the previous year. General cargo accounted for 461,958 tons, solid bulk for 4.096 million tons, and liquid bulk for 16.622 million tons. The port also received 582,708 heads of livestock, a 13.18 percent increase over 514,864 heads last year. Maritime traffic rose 11.27 percent to 1,017 vessels, up from 914, while passenger numbers surged 41.70 percent to 73,953 passengers compared to 52,191 in 2024. Vehicle movements, however, fell 22.66 percent to 69,969 units, down from 90,471 the previous year.
Saudi Gazette
43 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
GACA grants license to VistaJet as first foreign private domestic flight operator in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the granting of a foreign operator certificate to VistaJet to operate on-demand private flights domestically in Saudi Arabia. This makes VistaJet, a company specializing in operating private aircraft, the first foreign private aviation company to obtain such a certificate to operate domestic flights within the Kingdom. This certificate is granted following the authority's decision to allow foreign private jet operators to conduct on-demand flights within the Kingdom starting May 1, 2025, after the company fulfills all requirements and standards outlined in the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation Law. Issuing the air operator certificate to the company is considered one of the key pillars in achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program, which stems from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The program aims to position the Kingdom's aviation sector as the leader in the Middle East by 2030 and transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents. Private aviation is regarded as a pivotal contributor to the business and tourism sectors both within and outside the Kingdom. VistaJet will begin operations inside the Kingdom to attract high-quality investments and boost its position in the global aviation industry. This contributes to developing the sector and enhancing its competitiveness regionally and internationally. GACA's Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Awad Al-Sulami said that issuing the air operator certificate is an important step toward developing private aviation services in Saudi Arabia. "It will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and improve service quality," he said. Issuing this certificate embodies GACA's commitment to applying the highest safety standards and represents a step toward enhancing the quality of private aviation experience. It also aligns with the authority's ongoing efforts to provide an attractive investment environment and extend various forms of support to enable civil aviation activities. This, in turn, contributes to realizing the objectives of the Aviation Program and reinforces the authority's role as a regulator of the air transport industry in the Kingdom by building strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, thereby boosting the sector's capabilities and improving performance efficiency in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
PIF launches ‘azm' program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund launched a strategic program designed to build skills, address labor market needs, and support economic diversification to boost national talent. The 'azm' workforce development program was unveiled at a signing ceremony attended by Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, alongside partners from the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., Colleges of Excellence, Human Resources Development Fund, and Roshn Group. The launch underscores PIF's role in advancing Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's plan to transition to a knowledge-based economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. PIF held a signing ceremony with several partners to officially launch 'azm' program, unveiling specialized training programs to recruit and equip young Saudi talent with the tools to meet emerging industry demands and build a stronger economy from the ground up. @tvtcweb… — Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) August 19, 2025 In a post on its official X account, PIF said it launched 'the 'azm' program to empower national talents and equip them with the expertise and skills required by the labor market, thereby contributing to building a stronger and more diverse national economy, through a signing ceremony that included the program's partners.' According to the sovereign wealth fund, azm aims to create a pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet the needs of PIF's investments, portfolio companies, and ecosystem partners. It focuses on employer-driven skill development, with 80 percent of training based on hands-on, real-world applications. Under the program, PIF signed memoranda of understanding with TVTC and the Colleges of Excellence to manage and deliver training. The agreements cover curriculum development, contracting with local and international providers, overseeing registration and evaluation, and operating training facilities. In the presence of HE Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, and HE Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of #PIF, #ROSHNGROUP announces its Strategic Partnership of PIF's #azmprogram, marking an important step toward achieving the goals of #SaudiVision2030, focused on promoting local… — ROSHN Group | مجموعة روشن (@Roshnksa) August 19, 2025 'Future cooperation between Colleges of Excellence and the fund includes launching an academic entity under the azm program to serve as a specialized training body in developing technical and professional skills for Saudi youth,' the Colleges of Excellence posted on its X account. The fund said azm will offer tailored training at competitive costs, apply rigorous learner selection, and provide financial incentives to cover tuition. Employers partnering with the program will gain access to a job-ready Saudi workforce trained to their specifications. PIF said azm leverages its existing experience in delivering training across portfolio companies and taps into a broad network of local and international providers. It also benefits from strong ties with accreditation bodies and access to government funding mechanisms for workforce development.
