Saudi: Volume of Cargo Handling at Jizan Port Jumps by 24%

The significant growth in the volume of cargo handling at the Saudi ports reflects the level of performance, productivity and operational and logistic capabilities that characterize it. Asharq Al-Awsat
The significant growth in the volume of cargo handling at the Saudi ports reflects the level of performance, productivity and operational and logistic capabilities that characterize it. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi: Volume of Cargo Handling at Jizan Port Jumps by 24%

The significant growth in the volume of cargo handling at the Saudi ports reflects the level of performance, productivity and operational and logistic capabilities that characterize it. Asharq Al-Awsat
The significant growth in the volume of cargo handling at the Saudi ports reflects the level of performance, productivity and operational and logistic capabilities that characterize it. Asharq Al-Awsat

The total number of transshipment containers in Saudi ports have increased by more than 19 percent during H1 of this year.

Meanwhile, recent data revealed an increase in cargo handling at Jizan Port by 24 percent during the period from the beginning of this year until the end of August.

The significant growth in the volume of cargo handling at Saudi ports reflects the performance, productivity, operational and logistical capabilities of Saudi ports, making them an important destination for global navigation lines.

In this regard, the total tonnage of cargo handling at Jizan Port has amounted to 1.26 million tons, an increase by 24 percent compared to the same period in 2017 with a total of 1.02 thousand tons, according to the statistical index issued by Saudi Ports Authority "MAWANI".

While the number of vehicles in the "Port of Jizan" has reached 48.4 thousand vehicles during the same period, and the number of passengers has reached about 364.3 thousand passengers.

This growth comes within the framework of the efforts of Mawani to enhance the Saudi port services and raise the level of its operational and logistical capacity.

It is also due to the follow-up and supervision of the management of Jizan Port to expand the port’s activities by increasing the investment opportunities of the private sector, which resulted in a wide opening to increase the movement of exported products through the port.

The total exports of primary products to factories in the region amounted to about 207 thousand tons of zinc, copper and iron bars.

Notably, the Port of Jizan is one of the most important commercial ports in the Kingdom on the Red Sea coast because of its geographical location, which is close to trade routes among Europe, the Far East, the Arabian Gulf and East Africa.



Saudi Arabia Stockpiles Surplus Oil Production to Face Global Crises

Employees at Aramco (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Employees at Aramco (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Stockpiles Surplus Oil Production to Face Global Crises

Employees at Aramco (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Employees at Aramco (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has long followed a clear and transparent approach to preserving stability in global energy markets. Historically, it has consistently adhered to all decisions issued by the OPEC+ alliance and played a leading role alongside other producers to ensure compliance and promote the collective good.

Recently, the Kingdom briefly increased production volumes. However, the additional output was neither marketed domestically nor exported abroad. Instead, it was directed as a precautionary measure to strengthen strategic reserves, improve supply flows between the country’s eastern and western regions, and rebalance stocks held in overseas storage facilities.

Asharq Al-Awsat reached out to energy specialists to understand the significance of this move for energy security. Experts explained that building strategic reserves allows Saudi Arabia to respond swiftly to customer needs in the event of political crises, regional wars, adverse weather, or other unforeseen disruptions.

Fouad Al-Zayer, former head of data services at OPEC and an energy expert, said the Kingdom maintains millions of barrels in storage both inside and outside its borders. These reserves serve as a buffer during emergencies, enabling the country to compensate for supply shortfalls within a short timeframe. He emphasized that this stored crude is strategically critical in the face of geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

According to Al-Zayer, Saudi Arabia relies on an extraordinary reserve capacity unmatched by any other producer. The country currently produces more than 9 million barrels per day, with the capability to pump even higher volumes if needed. He noted that Saudi reserves alone account for 3 million barrels per day out of roughly 5 million barrels in global spare capacity, underscoring Riyadh’s central role in stabilizing markets and upholding its commitments under OPEC+ agreements.

He added that Saudi Arabia also hosts the International Energy Forum, which works to improve data quality and transparency in the sector. In June, the Kingdom’s output reached about 9 million barrels per day, with the modest increase attributed to logistical considerations. Al-Zayer stressed that it is common for producers to temporarily boost production to support maintenance operations or replenish storage, without impacting the broader market, since these barrels are not immediately traded.

He reiterated that Saudi Arabia has always honored OPEC+ production targets and has played a pivotal role in encouraging other members to meet their quotas.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabban, former senior adviser to the Saudi Minister of Petroleum, explained that the Kingdom has consistently proven itself a reliable and secure supplier to global energy markets. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s recent statement clarified the reasons behind the June production uptick, emphasizing that the additional oil was neither destined for local consumption nor for export but was solely intended to refill domestic and foreign storage. He said such measures do not represent any breach of commitments, unlike the practices of some other countries.

Al-Sabban pointed out that Saudi Arabia has often gone beyond required cuts to help stabilize markets. Even the recent production increases, he said, fall within the scope of voluntary adjustments agreed upon by OPEC+ members. He noted that in July, Saudi Arabia raised production in line with credible studies indicating the market could absorb these volumes without disruption.