Riyadh - The Saudi ports sector has recorded a remarkable rise in the UNCTAD’s Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) for Q2 2023 by scoring 76.16 points, a result that enabled the Kingdom to secure the sixteenth position from among 187 countries. HE Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) used this occasion to thank the Kingdom’s Leadership for their unwavering support of the nation’s transportation, logistics, and ports sectors, noting that the landmark achievement will strengthen the country’s competitive position on the global maritime map. He further added that the accomplishment was key in fulfilling the outcomes of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and boosting economic growth through a host of measures that include cost-efficient logistics and faster transit times, besides bolstering the value of Saudi products in global markets and unlocking new markets for Saudi exporters across the world.

The addition of 20 shipping services to the Saudi ports network in the first half of 2023 by global cargo carriers also played a key role in enhancing its attractiveness, optimizing operating efficiency, and cementing its standing as a leading logistics hub of choice, according to HE Al-Jasser. The latest success closely follows the Kingdom’s 17-place jump in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), securing the 38th position globally from among 160 countries. Strategically located along the world’s major trade routes, Saudi Arabia is currently linked to 348 ports through 97 shipping links.