Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Highlights Maritime Sector Integration and Opportunities for Trade and Investment Growth in the Kingdom
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026, held Oct. 21-22 at the Jeddah Superdome, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting the continuity of trade flows and strengthening supply chain resilience, bringing together representatives of government entities, maritime transport and logistics leaders, and the business community.
The Congress takes place as rapid changes in trade and shipping prompt companies to reassess transport routes and operational and investment choices. It provides a platform for dialogue among stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation and strengthen integration between ports and maritime, land transport and logistics services, supporting operational efficiency and supply chain reliability.
In his opening address, His Excellency Eng. Fawaz Alsahli, President of the Transport General Authority in Saudi Arabia, emphasised that the Kingdom’s ambitions extend beyond developing ports and maritime services to building an integrated transport and logistics ecosystem that contributes to diversifying the national economy, expanding opportunities for investment and innovation, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a trusted partner in international trade.
His Excellency highlighted the importance of integrating maritime and road transport to connect ports with factories, warehouses and local and regional markets, facilitating the smooth movement of goods and supporting the sector’s ability to respond to changes in global trade.
Discussions highlighted shifts in regional trade flows, including developments affecting navigation through the Suez Canal and alternative shipping routes. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening connections between ports, transport networks and logistics services to give cargo owners and operators greater flexibility in managing their operations and responding to changing market conditions.
Mohaned El Mahgoub, Vice President at Tahaluf, said: “Bringing the industry together in Jeddah at this moment matters more than ever. Businesses are making immediate decisions about routes, capacity and investment, and those decisions depend on strong relationships across the supply chain. The discussions at this year’s Congress show how Saudi Arabia’s maritime and logistics capabilities are helping companies respond to disruption and build confidence in the routes and services they rely on. The Kingdom’s strength lies in its ability to bring those capabilities together, adapt under pressure and keep trade moving.”
In discussions on geopolitical shifts and trade resilience, Mr. Akshay Anand, Group CEO of ABSA Al Barrak Group, emphasised the importance of strengthening the maritime transport and logistics sector’s ability to adapt to challenges, alongside stakeholders’ shared responsibility to maintain the continuous flow of goods.
Discussions addressed the importance of developing operational alternatives and strengthening connections between different modes of transport to support supply chain resilience and enable companies to respond to changes in shipping flows. They also highlighted the importance of coordination between regulators, operators and service providers to ensure clear requirements and improve safety standards and operational efficiency.
Eng. Essam Alammari, Deputy for Maritime at the Transport General Authority, highlighted the importance of developing maritime transport capabilities, improving operational efficiency and enhancing integration between ports, shipping services and logistics networks.
Alammari said: “Developing the maritime transport sector is essential to strengthening the resilience of supply chains, improving trade connectivity and supporting the continued flow of goods across regional and international markets.”
He added: “Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location, connecting major maritime trade routes across three continents, provides a strong foundation for expanding its role in global logistics. Our priority is to translate this advantage into greater operational efficiency, stronger international partnerships and sustainable growth across the maritime transport sector.”
Alammari stressed the importance of cooperation between government entities, port operators, shipping companies and logistics service providers in creating an environment that supports investment and growth. He also highlighted the role of developing infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and maritime services, alongside innovation, digital transformation and international cooperation, in strengthening port competitiveness and adapting to changing trade patterns and geopolitical developments.
In discussions on port competitiveness and the development of logistics services, participants examined opportunities to increase transit cargo flows through the Kingdom to Gulf markets by developing dedicated facilities for storage, customs inspection, cargo collection and onward transport by truck. Discussions also explored the importance of connecting ports with regional and international transport networks to provide a broader range of shipping and redistribution options and improve the efficiency of goods movement between markets.
Discussions also addressed the role of investment in infrastructure and supporting services in attracting shipping traffic and strengthening Saudi ports’ position within global trade networks, alongside the importance of developing services that meet the needs of cargo owners and operators and support reliable operations.
On investment and partnerships, the Congress focused on the importance of strengthening cooperation between regulators, operators, investors and service providers to identify opportunities and develop solutions that meet the sector’s needs. Developments at the Congress included the announcement of cooperation between the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia, Bahri, and the University of Jeddah, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the maritime and academic sectors.
Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd also announced a new brand identity, FMH Marine Services, while continuing to operate under its registered legal identity. The new brand supports the company’s plans to develop ship agency, customs clearance, logistics, supply, procurement and related marine services in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
On technology, discussions examined the role of automation, shared data and artificial intelligence in improving maritime and logistics operations through better vessel and truck scheduling, improved terminal utilisation and closer alignment between infrastructure and industrial needs. Participants also stressed the importance of developing supplier networks and strengthening connections between services and the areas surrounding ports to attract businesses and investment.
In discussions on reducing carbon emissions and strengthening competitiveness, participants examined opportunities to use alternative fuels and technological solutions to improve vessels’ environmental and operational performance. Topics included biofuels, hybrid propulsion systems and carbon capture technologies, alongside the use of sensors and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency. Discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation between energy companies and engine manufacturers to assess the compatibility of different fuels with operational requirements and support the development of more sustainable solutions for the maritime sector.
Discussions extended to the role of ports and marinas in supporting tourism, services and maritime investment. Oriela Blake from Sela highlighted the importance of developing marina facilities and specialised marine services to attract luxury yachts and increase demand for provisioning, maintenance and tourism activities.
Discussions also addressed the role of developing national talent and specialised marine services in supporting the sector’s growth. Participants emphasised the importance of an integrated offering that brings together marina operations, boat sales, after-sales service, technical support and maintenance to meet the needs of individuals and businesses and support the development of the marine industry in the Kingdom.
Ryanah Alghamdi, Deputy General Manager, Samaco, said: “Our ambition is to offer more than a marina. We want to support the customer’s broader marine journey, from boats and after-sales service to marina facilities, while contributing to the growth of the sector in Saudi Arabia.”
Samaco Marine is developing its services in line with marine industry growth and new investment opportunities, while exploring regional partnerships that support the expansion of its business and strengthen the integration of marine services in the Kingdom.
The development of national talent is also a key area supporting the maritime sector’s progress through expanded training, professional development and the development of specialised skills, keeping pace with market needs and supporting the sustained growth of the marine industry and logistics services.
Discussions at the Congress underscored the importance of continuing to develop the maritime transport and logistics ecosystem through investment in infrastructure, greater integration between transport modes, the use of modern technologies and broader public-private partnerships.
The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress continues at Jeddah Superdome with sessions examining how to build an integrated national logistics ecosystem, improve operational efficiency and develop partnerships and investment that support the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s maritime sector.
The Congress continues to provide a platform bringing together government entities, industry leaders, investors and technology providers to explore opportunities for cooperation and exchange expertise, helping to strengthen supply chain reliability and expand the Kingdom’s role in regional and international trade.
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