Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port has added a powerful boost to its international cargo capabilities with the arrival of the Himalaya Express, a major container shipping service operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The new service, also extended to Jubail Commercial Port, marks a strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia’s drive to emerge as a global logistics powerhouse under its Vision 2030 blueprint.
The Himalaya Express route connects Dammam and Jubail to 12 major global ports, including Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Hamad, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Vizhinjam, Sines, Valencia, Gioia Tauro, Genoa, Barcelona, and Malaga. With a carrying capacity of up to 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the new line significantly enhances maritime connectivity between South Asia, the Gulf, and European markets.
This development is a critical part of the Saudi Ports Authority’s (Mawani) broader strategy to reinforce export competitiveness, strengthen supply chain efficiency, and reduce logistic costs by integrating Saudi ports into global shipping networks. The introduction of MSC’s Himalaya Express directly supports the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services, which envisions transforming the Kingdom into a hub for international trade.
The move comes amid a notable surge in port activity. According to recent data, ports managed by Mawani saw a 13.61% year-on-year increase in container handling in March 2025, clocking in at 699,928 TEUs compared to 616,079 in the same period last year. This was driven by strong growth in both exports and imports. Exported containers rose by a remarkable 31.82%, while imports grew by 7.78%, indicating a healthy balance in trade flows.
In parallel, Mawani has been accelerating infrastructure development to support rising cargo volumes. In April, the authority signed an agreement with Sultan Logistics to establish a sprawling 197,000-square metre logistics park at King Abdulaziz Port. The park is expected to improve warehousing, reduce turnaround times, and attract further private investment into the logistics sector. This project complements other recent investments in green port initiatives and digital transformation to support end-to-end logistics efficiency.
The inclusion of key Indian ports like Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Vizhinjam in the Himalaya Express route also strengthens Indo-Saudi trade ties. For Indian shippers and exporters, this offers faster and more direct shipping options into the Gulf region and onward into Europe, bypassing congestion in traditional transshipment hubs.
The expansion of maritime connectivity through sustainable, efficient, and modern services is an indicator of how Saudi Arabia is pivoting from an oil-dependent economy to a globally competitive logistics and industrial services ecosystem. Dammam, strategically located on the Arabian Gulf, is rapidly emerging as a central gateway for trade across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
By investing in world-class port services, enhancing infrastructure, and integrating with global shipping routes, Mawani is not only bolstering trade but also reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s credentials as a future-ready logistics leader.
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