The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), in partnership with Folk Maritime and SABIC, has launched the new Red Sea Express container shipping service to King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional maritime connectivity and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s logistics capabilities.
The new Red Sea Express service, with a carrying capacity of up to 1,100 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), will connect Jeddah Islamic Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu, Ain Sokhna Port in Egypt, and Aqaba Port in Jordan through a direct shipping route aimed at improving trade flows across the Red Sea region.
The launch underscores the growing strategic importance of Saudi ports in supporting regional and international trade while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a major logistics and maritime hub on the Red Sea. Officials said the initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize its transportation and logistics infrastructure under Vision 2030.
The direct shipping route linking Yanbu with Ain Sokhna and Aqaba represents a major advancement in logistics services and reflects the integrated efforts of national industry leaders, particularly Folk Maritime and SABIC, in enhancing export efficiency and facilitating smoother trade operations.
The newly introduced Red Sea Express shipping line is expected to improve operational efficiency by accelerating cargo handling procedures, reducing vessel waiting times, and streamlining supply chain operations. The service is also anticipated to contribute to faster and more reliable logistics solutions for exporters and importers across the region.
In addition to operational improvements, the Red Sea Express service is projected to deliver broader economic benefits by supporting the growth of non-oil exports and attracting new investments into the Kingdom’s maritime and logistics sectors. The initiative further strengthens the role of Saudi ports as a key economic driver for both the Kingdom and the wider region.
The shipping line will also enhance the competitiveness of Saudi exports by reducing transportation costs and shortening shipping times, making Saudi products more attractive in regional markets. The improved logistics connectivity is expected to create expanded trade opportunities, particularly for agricultural and industrial products.
The launch of new Red Sea Express shipping service forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing strategy to establish itself as a leading global logistics hub by improving port infrastructure, expanding maritime services, and boosting trade connectivity in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
