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.
