Saudi Ports Authority Highlights Supply Chain Resilience and Red Sea–Gulf Logistics Corridors in London
Shipping Arabia, November 8, 2026 – Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has highlighted Saudi ports’ supply chain resilience and logistics capabilities during the World Ports Conference 2026 in London. The authority outlined Saudi Arabia’s investments in maritime infrastructure, regional logistics corridors, and operational flexibility, including the redirection of approximately 60% of fertilizer shipments destined for India through Yanbu Industrial Port in less than a month.
Mawani President Eng. Sulaiman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua participated in a roundtable discussion focused on strategies for port authorities to strengthen competitiveness and sustain growth amid global challenges. He emphasized the importance of developing port strategies, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the maritime sector’s ability to respond to international disruptions.
The discussions also addressed supply chain resilience, continuity of global trade, and the role of Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics infrastructure in responding to challenges affecting international maritime operations.
Saudi Ports Supply Chain Resilience and Regional Logistics Connectivity
During his remarks, Al-Mazroua highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen regional connectivity through the activation of logistics corridors linking the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
He explained that decades of investment in ports and industrial cities have established an integrated national infrastructure. These investments, reinforced by Saudi Vision 2030, have strengthened operational flexibility and improved the Kingdom’s capacity to respond rapidly to changing circumstances.
The development of logistics corridors was presented as an important component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to maintain trade connectivity and strengthen its maritime transport capabilities.
Al-Mazroua also emphasized the importance of adapting port strategies to global developments. He highlighted the need for port authorities to improve operational efficiency and strengthen their ability to respond to market changes and international challenges.
These priorities formed part of the roundtable discussion on maintaining competitiveness and supporting growth across the global maritime sector.
Yanbu Industrial Port Supports Fertilizer Shipments to India
One of the examples highlighted during the conference concerned Saudi Arabia’s contribution to global food security through its maritime logistics infrastructure.
According to Al-Mazroua, approximately 60% of fertilizer shipments destined for India were redirected through Yanbu Industrial Port within less than one month.
The example illustrated the Kingdom’s ability to use its port infrastructure and logistics capabilities to respond to changing trade requirements while supporting the continuity of international cargo movements.
Al-Mazroua also highlighted the humanitarian role of Saudi ports in supporting vessels and their crews during challenging circumstances.
Saudi ports provided essential services, medical supplies, and crew change assistance, supporting more than 2,000 seafarers. These efforts were presented as part of the Kingdom’s contribution to maintaining maritime operations and addressing the needs of seafarers.
In his remarks, Al-Mazroua stressed that supply chain resilience represents an investment in protecting economic value and creating opportunities. He also emphasized that ensuring the safety of maritime corridors remains a shared international responsibility.
Saudi Arabia Participates in 138th IMO Council Session
Alongside the World Ports Conference, Saudi Arabia participated in the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, with its delegation led by Mawani President Sulaiman Al-Mazroua.
The participation reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening maritime navigation safety and facilitating the movement of global trade.
On the sidelines of the IMO Council meetings, Al-Mazroua met IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss recent developments in the maritime sector and challenges facing international shipping.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on issues affecting the global maritime industry and the continued importance of international cooperation.
Saudi Arabia Emphasizes Maritime Infrastructure and Trade Continuity
During the IMO Council meetings, Al-Mazroua also addressed a reception hosted by Saudi Arabia for participating delegations.
The reception was attended by the IMO Secretary-General and Mohammed bin Shafi, Deputy Head of the Saudi Mission to the United Kingdom.
In his remarks, Al-Mazroua emphasized the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s transport system and port infrastructure, highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts to manage crises and their consequences.
He also underlined the importance of maintaining the smooth movement of international trade and ensuring continuity across global supply chains.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the World Ports Conference and IMO Council meetings brought attention to several interconnected priorities, including infrastructure investment, regional logistics connectivity, maritime safety, and international cooperation.
Through its presentation of port development strategies, logistics corridor initiatives, and operational responses to disruptions, Mawani outlined Saudi Arabia’s approach to strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of its maritime sector.
Source: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)
