JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s ports handled 22.52 million tonnes of cargo in September, up 8.6 percent from the same month last year, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding maritime trade.
The growth included 1.22 million tonnes of general cargo, 5.7 million tonnes of dry bulk, and 15.6 million tonnes of liquid bulk, according to a release by the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani.
Saudi ports’ strong performance supports trade, maritime industries, tourism, and supply chains, while contributing to the Kingdom’s food security and its goal of becoming a major logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa under Vision 2030.
“Maritime traffic also rose by 1.11 percent to reach 1,001 vessels, compared to 990 vessels during the same period last year,” the statement noted, adding that passenger numbers increased by 58.56 percent to reach 71,376 passengers, compared to 45,015 passengers in September last year.
It further said that the number of vehicles decreased by 20.09 percent to reach 75,616, compared to 94,630 a year ago.
