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 Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.