Saudi maritime and logistics leaders call for united push to turn investment into lasting trade advantage
Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress concluded today at Jeddah Superdome, with industry leaders calling for closer cooperation to turn the Kingdom’s infrastructure investment into lasting trade advantage.
Building on opening-day discussions on maintaining trade through regional disruption, the final day focused on connecting transport networks, strengthening Saudi expertise and preparing future maritime leaders.
Faariss Khalil, Exhibition Director at Tahaluf, said: “Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in maritime and logistics is strengthening the Kingdom’s position in international trade and creating new opportunities across the sector. Over the past two days, the dialogue and collaboration here in Jeddah have demonstrated a shared commitment to building on that strength and moving forward with confidence. As the sector enters its next phase of development, strong partnerships will be essential to translating ambition into progress. We look ahead to next year’s Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress with a clear focus on supporting that momentum and advancing a shared vision for the industry’s future.”
Discussions on national logistics priorities highlighted the need for ports, airports, customs and logistics providers to plan together, share information and simplify approvals. Mohammad Ali Ahsan, VP Strategy at SAL Saudi Logistics Services, pointed to Saudi Arabia’s 17-place rise in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. Building on that progress would depend on making the movement of goods more seamless across the whole supply chain.
Saud Alonaini, Vice President of Western Coast Operations at Mawani, said: “Today, the competition is no longer just between ports. It is between integrated logistics ecosystems. That means the whole logistics ecosystem should work together to attract shipping lines and make sure they can serve the last mile and deliver the services they promise to their customers.”
Julian Panter, Managing Director – MENA at OSM Thome, highlighted the Kingdom’s culture of collaboration: “Even companies that are perceived to be rivals are partners, and you don’t get that in a lot of other parts of the world. I think that’s really the advantage that Saudi has—that power of partnership that exists within the community.”
The value of alternative trade routes emerged in discussions on logistics and industrial growth. Lars Greiner, from Red Sea Gateway Terminal’s multipurpose business, reported that utilisation at Yanbu Commercial Port had risen from around 23% before disruption this year to 85%, as existing customers increased volumes and businesses from the Kingdom’s east and centre explored west coast routes. He highlighted growing interest in using both coasts, giving businesses alternatives when disruption affects one gateway.
Offshore discussions examined how growing energy investment can support specialist marine services and Saudi capabilities. Srinivasa Rao, Managing Director of Synergy Ship Arabia, a partner company of Jana Marine Services, cited investments of $150 million–$170 million for high-specification vessels, highlighting the importance of predictable, long-term contracts in giving operators confidence to expand their fleets.
Maritime security discussions reinforced the importance of protecting ports, offshore facilities and the systems underpinning trade. Dr. Saeed Fahad Alshahrani of Fincantieri emphasised that advanced vessels and equipment require long-term investment in maintenance, engineering expertise and Saudi suppliers to remain
Mohammed Aseeri of KACST highlighted how AI can combine surveillance information to support timely decisions, supported by skilled people who can interpret and act on it. He called for Saudi engineers, researchers and universities to participate in technology projects from the outset, retaining knowledge in the Kingdom. Ali Alwabel, Founder of Saudi Business Links, urged the sector to preserve the experience of retired naval and border guard professionals through mentoring.
Across the two days, discussions reinforced that the future of global trade will be defined by how intelligently the industry connects its infrastructure, shares information and manages risk. The partnerships forged this week in Jeddah provide a foundation for continued cooperation, sustained investment and the development of a new generation of Saudi maritime leaders ready to advance the Kingdom’s role in global trade.
Building on that momentum, the event will return on 19–21 October 2027, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the Kingdom’s maritime and logistics community.
