RIYADH: Saudi Ports Authority has launched a new maritime link with Bahrain via MSC’s Gulf Shuttle service, as regional shipping routes come under strain from escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
The service connects King Abdulaziz Port with Khalifa Bin Salman Port, offering capacity of up to 3,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, said in a statement.
Maritime traffic across the Gulf is facing major disruption, with the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint handling about one-fifth of global oil flows — effectively constrained amid the ongoing conflict.
This new link is part of broader efforts by the Kingdom to bolster regional shipping ties, enhance maritime connectivity, and expand logistics networks, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Daipayan Adhikari, head of strategic projects and logistics solutions at United Warehouse Co. Limited, told Arab News the new route reflects a growing focus on regional connectivity, and said: “This new maritime connection between King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Bahrain is an important step toward strengthening regional supply chain resilience.”
