Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market

Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market Overview:

The Saudi Arabia maritime freight market size reached USD 3.5 Billion in 2025. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 5.2 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.42% during 2026-2034. The market is spurred by growing trade diversification, strategic port upgrading, and government-supported initiatives for infrastructure growth. Robust demand for oil exports, economic diversification, and regional trade expansion drives Saudi Arabia maritime freight market share.

Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market Trends:

Growth in Non-Oil Trade and Industrial Exports

Diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil is supporting non-oil exports, such as petrochemicals, food products, plastics, and industrial machinery. Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, comprising re-exports, hit SR33.71 Billion (USD 8.99 Billion) in July 2025, reflecting a 30.4% rise compared to 2024, according to government statistics. As Vision 2030 is promoting industrial clusters, mining, and agro-processing, the volume of exported goods requiring maritime transport is rising steadily. Containerized cargo and bulk shipments are increasing in line with industrial output growth. Non-oil exports reduce reliance on petroleum shipments and expand trade networks to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The development of free zones and industrial ports is encouraging manufacturers to adopt cost-efficient shipping solutions.

Technological Advancements in Port and Shipping Operations

Automation, digitalization, and smart port technologies are revolutionizing maritime freight operations in Saudi Arabia. Advanced terminal operating systems, automated cranes, and real-time cargo tracking reduce turnaround times, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize human error. Port authorities are implementing electronic documentation, artificial intelligence (AI)-based vessel scheduling, and predictive analytics to optimize logistics flows. As per the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia AI market size was valued at USD 1,073 Million in 2024. These innovations attract international shipping lines seeking reliable and fast-loading ports. Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are also being piloted to improve supply chain transparency. Technology adoption increases competitiveness, encourages higher freight volumes, and supports more complex cargo operations. By leveraging modern solutions, Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector is enhancing throughput capacity, reducing costs, and positioning itself as a technologically advanced hub in the Middle East.

Government Investments in Port Modernization

The Saudi government’s massive investments in port infrastructure and modernization projects are fueling the market growth. In March 2025, the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), together with DP World, initiated expansion and development projects for the Southern Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. It sought to enhance operational efficiencies and broaden the port's capacity for handling, with an investment amounting to SAR 3 Billion (USD 800 Million). Government initiatives include upgrading cargo-handling equipment and implementing digital port management systems to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround times. These developments attract global shipping lines and logistics providers, increasing trade volumes. Investments also focus on integrating ports with road, rail, and industrial networks, facilitating smooth hinterland connectivity.

Key Growth Drivers of Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market:

Strategic Location on Major Shipping Routes

Saudi Arabia’s geographical position along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf makes it a key hub for global maritime trade, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Kingdom’s ports, such as Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and Dammam, serve as critical gateways for imports, exports, and transshipment activities. Proximity to the Suez Canal and Gulf shipping lanes reduces transit times, making Saudi ports attractive for international shipping lines. Strategic location enables efficient handling of containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and petroleum products, supporting global supply chains. The government’s investments in port expansion, deepening of channels, and modern terminal facilities enhance capacity and competitiveness. This natural advantage, combined with infrastructure upgrades, attracts freight operators seeking reliable access to Middle Eastern markets.

Rising Demand for Containerized and Bulk Cargo

Saudi Arabia’s expanding trade volumes are driving the demand for both containerized and bulk cargo shipping. Consumer goods, industrial equipment, and food imports primarily move via container vessels, while crude oil, chemicals, minerals, and construction materials rely on bulk carriers. Rapid industrialization, urban development, and the thriving retail sector are fueling both categories of freight. Containerization improves security, handling efficiency, and storage optimization, supporting global trade standards. Ports are upgrading gantry cranes, storage yards, and container terminals to handle larger vessels and heavier volumes. Bulk cargo demand is reinforced by ongoing petrochemical and construction projects, which require raw material imports and exports. The parallel growth of containerized and bulk freight is ensuring balanced port utilization, attracting diverse shipping operators, and supporting sustained expansion of the market in Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Initiatives under Vision 2030 and Economic Diversification

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 promotes economic diversification, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity. Initiatives focus on transforming ports into global logistics hubs, attracting foreign shipping lines, and expanding trade corridors with Asia, Europe, and Africa. Industrial cities, special economic zones, and export-oriented clusters rely heavily on maritime transport for raw materials and finished goods. Government-led reforms simplify customs procedures, encourage private sector participation, and foster public-private partnerships for port operations. These initiatives are also supporting mega-projects like NEOM, which generate substantial freight traffic. By aligning maritime infrastructure with economic diversification goals, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its logistics ecosystem, increasing freight volumes, and enhancing international trade competitiveness. Vision 2030’s comprehensive strategy acts as a long-term growth driver for the maritime freight market.

Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country/regional level for 2026-2034. Our report has categorized the market based on transport type and application.

Transport Type Insights:

• Container Shipping
• Bulk Shipping
• Tanker Shipping

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the transport type. This includes container shipping, bulk shipping, and tanker shipping.

Application Insights:

• Automotive
• Oil and Gas
• Retail and Consumer Goods
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture and Food
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes automotive, oil and gas, retail and consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Northern and Central Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, and Southern Region.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market News:

• September 2025: The Ports Authority of Saudi Arabia, called Mawani, launched its 30th new shipping service, providing a direct connection between Jeddah Islamic Port and Port Sudan. Marsa Ocean Shipping ran the ‘JSS’ service, offering a capacity of 1,118 containers, which was believed to not only boost trade but also promote tourism between the two key destinations of the Red Sea. The new service would enable better shipping routes, simplifying the transport of goods and making it more convenient for tourists to explore the area.
• May 2025: Cosco Shipping Lines launched a new office in Saudi Arabia, representing an important achievement in the firm’s expansion in the Middle East. This step was designed to enhance business growth in the area, utilizing resources at Jeddah Port and the imminent railway terminal in Jubail Industrial City.

Saudi Arabia Maritime Freight Market Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Saudi Arabia maritime freight market from 2020-2034.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Saudi Arabia maritime freight market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Saudi Arabia maritime freight industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.