Dammam Port, a key maritime gateway in Saudi Arabia, is poised for a significant expansion in its logistics offerings with the introduction of a new and improved shipping service connecting to various destinations in Asia.
This strategic move, announced by the port authority, aims to bolster trade ties between Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia, enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. The newly announced shipping service, dubbed IMS and operated by VASI Shipping Pte Ltd, will link Dammam Port to key ports in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and the UAE. By facilitating regular weekly trips with a capacity of up to 1,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the service is expected to streamline trade flows and support the movement of exports and imports across the region.
This initiative aligns closely with the port authority’s overarching objective to strengthen partnerships with leading international transportation firms, bolster the maritime sector, and contribute to the national economic development agenda. Moreover, it underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to realising its National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aimed at solidifying its role as a pivotal global logistics hub connecting three continents. The introduction of these enhanced connections represents a significant milestone in elevating Dammam Port’s stature in the maritime transport division and reinforcing its position as a key player in the logistics services sector. The port’s modern infrastructure and comprehensive operational services have played a pivotal role in achieving this feat, enabling it to handle diverse types of goods efficiently.
In a testament to its operational prowess, Dammam Port recently achieved a remarkable milestone by handling a record-breaking monthly throughput of 235,820 TEUs in February. This achievement underscores the port’s capability to manage large volumes of cargo and containers, with an estimated capacity of 105 million tons. This development follows the successful launch of the India Gulf Express shipping service in October 2023, further enhancing Dammam Port’s connectivity with global destinations. Operated by France’s container carrier CMA CGM, the service established direct connections with major maritime hubs in India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and Iraq, strengthening trade capacity and competitiveness. The expansion of logistics services at Dammam Port reflects the port authority’s proactive approach towards enhancing trade connectivity and facilitating seamless movement of goods. With its strategic initiatives and modern infrastructure, Dammam Port is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s trade agenda and fostering economic growth in the region.
