MAWANI Reports 13.61% Rise in Container Handling in March 2025

In March 2025, ports managed by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recorded a notable rise in container activity, marking a 13.61% year-on-year increase. A total of 699,928 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were handled, up from 616,079 TEUs in March 2024. The growth was largely driven by a 31.82% surge in exported containers, reaching 280,341 TEUs compared to 212,672 TEUs the previous year. Imports also climbed by 7.78%, totaling 281,216 TEUs, up from 260,912 TEUs. However, transshipment volumes dipped slightly by 2.89%, recording 138,371 TEUs compared to 142,495 TEUs during the same period last year.

Cargo Tonnage Sees Steady Growth

Total cargo tonnage handled across the ports also saw an upward trend, increasing by 8.69% to reach 21,181,246 tons in March 2025. This figure includes 971,850 tons of general cargo, 4,515,924 tons of solid bulk, and a dominant 15,693,472 tons of liquid bulk. Despite this overall growth, livestock imports saw a decline, with ports receiving 870,566 cattle heads—a 9.42% drop compared to the 961,131 heads recorded in March 2024.

Maritime and Passenger Activity on the Rise

Maritime traffic experienced a healthy boost, as the number of vessels calling at the ports rose to 1,044, marking a 6.75% increase from 978 vessels in the same month last year. Passenger movement surged as well, increasing by 35.45% to reach 84,665 travellers, compared to 62,507 previously. Vehicle arrivals followed suit, jumping by 33.50% to 90,271 vehicles, up from 67,620 in March 2024.

February Trends Reinforce Upward Momentum

Mawani’s positive trajectory was also evident in February 2025. Exported containers rose by 18.25% year-on-year, with 215,491 TEUs processed compared to 182,229 TEUs the previous February. Passenger numbers for the month mirrored this growth, soaring by 37.85% to reach 93,400 travellers, up from 67,754 in February 2024.