Riyadh, November 26, 2024 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the new cargo service "IXS" by Silmar Group to Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a significant step in bolstering the Kingdom’s trade infrastructure. This development aligns with Mawani's broader vision to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Saudi ports, supporting the growth of both imports and exports in line with the Kingdom's strategic goals.
The launch of the IXS service is a crucial milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to elevate its position in the global maritime network. This initiative is part of Mawani's ongoing drive to strengthen the Kingdom's standing on the Maritime Connectivity Index, which evaluates the connectivity of ports worldwide. As part of Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, this expansion will play a pivotal role in transforming the Kingdom into a central logistics hub that seamlessly links three continents – Asia, Africa, and Europe.
With a capacity to handle 1,510 standard containers, the IXS service will provide critical connections between Jeddah Islamic Port and several key international ports. These include Mundra and Nhava Sheva in India, Karachi in Pakistan, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Mersin and Yarimca in Turkey, Jebel Ali in the UAE, and Novorossiysk in Russia. The expansion of trade routes will not only enhance the efficiency of regional and international supply chains but also facilitate smoother trade exchanges between the Kingdom and its global trading partners.
This new service is in line with Mawani's broader objectives of fostering sustainable, safe, and reliable operations within the Kingdom’s ports, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia's role as a vital link in international maritime trade. As the Kingdom continues to invest in expanding its logistical capabilities, the addition of IXS to Jeddah Islamic Port signifies a critical step in the country's ambition to become a major player in global trade, driving economic growth and solidifying its position as a global logistics powerhouse.
The strategic expansion of services such as IXS complements the broader goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage. By improving connectivity and operational efficiency, Mawani is positioning Saudi Arabia’s ports as critical nodes in international maritime networks, capable of supporting increased trade volumes and fostering long-term economic development.