The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of a major new shipping service to Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port in Rabigh, strengthening the Kingdom’s maritime links between Europe and the Red Sea. The service, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and known as the Middle East Express, is part of Mawani’s continuing efforts to deepen ties with global shipping lines and expand Saudi Arabia’s footprint in international trade.
Linking Saudi Ports to Global Trade Routes
Under the new arrangement, Jeddah Islamic Port will be directly connected to a network of key European ports, including Gdańsk in Poland, Bremerhaven in Germany, Antwerp in Belgium, the Spanish ports of València and Barcelona, and Gioia Tauro in Italy. With a capacity of up to 16,000 standard containers, the service is expected to support higher cargo volumes and provide businesses with improved access to important international trade routes.
Analysts note that the service should meaningfully improve cargo turnaround times and give shippers more flexible options for moving goods between the two regions.
Strengthening Domestic and Regional Distribution
A key feature of the new service is its integration with Saudi Arabia’s wider transport and logistics network. Cargo arriving at King Abdullah Port can be transported by land to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. It can then be distributed to other Arabian Gulf countries through feeder shipping services. This multimodal approach enhances connectivity between the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It also supports more efficient cargo movement and better supply chain integration.
The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. The MSC Middle East Express service expands links with major European ports while creating onward connections across the Gulf. As Saudi ports continue to solidify their international networks, such developments will further support the Kingdom’s role in regional and global trade.