Dammam, December 2, 2024 – In a significant development for Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has officially announced the addition of the new Pakistan Gulf Express (PGX) shipping service to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. Operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE), this new service represents a key milestone in enhancing the port’s connectivity, competitiveness, and strategic importance in global trade.
The introduction of the PGX service further strengthens King Abdulaziz Port’s position as a critical hub for exporters, importers, and shipping agents operating in the region. With its world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, King Abdulaziz Port is well-equipped to manage a variety of cargo types, from containers to bulk goods, thereby supporting the growing demand for efficient and reliable logistics solutions. This development also aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a major logistics hub bridging three continents and driving economic growth through improved trade and connectivity.
King Abdulaziz Port, which boasts 43 fully equipped berths and a substantial cargo and container handling capacity of 105 million tons, plays a crucial role in the Kingdom’s ambitions to enhance its logistics network and expand its footprint in global trade. The addition of the PGX service, which links the port with key regional ports such as Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, Hamad in Qatar, and Karachi in Pakistan, further enhances Saudi Arabia’s strategic position in global shipping routes. The service operates with a capacity of 2,500 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), enabling efficient movement of goods across the Arabian Gulf and beyond.
This latest development is complemented by a series of recent upgrades at King Abdulaziz Port. In 2024, the port received 21 new coastal and gantry cranes, as well as the introduction of 80 electric trucks to its fleet, marking a major step toward modernizing its operations. These enhancements are designed to accommodate advanced, larger vessels and improve the port's overall productivity and sustainability. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly practices, King Abdulaziz Port continues to solidify its status as a dynamic, competitive, and sustainable logistics center.
As the Kingdom seeks to position itself as a leading logistics and trade hub, the addition of the PGX service underscores the critical role King Abdulaziz Port plays in strengthening global supply chains and boosting Saudi Arabia’s position in the international logistics sector. With a continued focus on modernizing infrastructure, expanding connectivity, and supporting economic diversification, King Abdulaziz Port is poised to remain a central player in the region’s growing trade network.