Aqaba Ports

Shipping Arabia, November 12, 2026 – Aqaba ports cargo throughput increased by 46% during the first 10 months of 2026, reaching 12.386 million tonnes compared with 8.494 million tonnes during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) recorded an 8% increase in container volumes, highlighting growth in Jordan’s maritime cargo operations.

The figures were released by Jordan’s customs clearance and freight transport companies’ syndicate, based on official statistics covering port operations, customs declarations and freight movements between January and October 2026.

The data also showed increased vessel arrivals at Aqaba’s main ports, alongside substantial customs and transit activity across Jordan’s border crossings. Syndicate President Dhaifallah Abu Aqoula highlighted Aqaba’s growing role as a logistics gateway serving Jordan and neighboring regional markets.

Aqaba Ports Cargo Throughput Reaches 12.386 Million Tonnes

Total cargo throughput across Aqaba’s main ports reached 12.386 million tonnes during the reporting period, compared with 8.494 million tonnes a year earlier. The 46% increase covered cargo handled through the main port, oil and gas port, and passenger port.

Vessel traffic also increased during the first 10 months of 2026. A total of 1,430 vessels arrived at Aqaba’s main ports and completed their discharge operations, compared with 1,333 vessels during the corresponding period of 2025.

The increase of 97 vessels was distributed across the three port facilities.

Aqaba’s main port received 350 vessels, compared with 334 during the previous year, representing an increase of 16 vessels. Meanwhile, the oil and gas port handled 142 vessels, up from 104, an increase of 38 vessels.

The passenger port recorded 938 vessel arrivals, compared with 895 during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 43 vessels.

These figures reflect higher vessel activity across Aqaba’s port facilities, alongside the significant increase in overall cargo volumes.

Aqaba Container Terminal Handles 896,290 TEUs

Aqaba Container Terminal also reported growth in container handling volumes during the January–October 2026 period.

According to the syndicate’s figures, the terminal handled 896,290 TEUs, compared with 827,140 TEUs during the corresponding period in 2025. This represented an increase of approximately 8%.

Loaded import containers reached 466,875 TEUs, up from 416,211 TEUs a year earlier, representing growth of 12%.

However, loaded export containers declined to 87,535 TEUs, compared with 94,600 TEUs during the first 10 months of 2025.

Despite the increase in total container throughput, vessel arrivals at the container terminal remained largely unchanged. ACT received 497 container vessels during the reporting period, compared with 496 vessels a year earlier.

The figures show that container handling volumes increased while the number of container vessel calls remained relatively stable.

Jordan Records More Than 919,000 Customs Declarations

Beyond port operations, the syndicate reported significant customs clearance activity across Jordan’s customs centers and border crossings.

Companies operating in the customs clearance and freight transport sector processed 919,470 customs declarations during the first 10 months of 2026.

The reported declarations included 319,027 import declarations for the domestic market, 159,960 export declarations and 18,356 re-export declarations. The figures also included 29,650 temporary admission declarations and 318,128 transit declarations covering cargo movements through Jordanian territory.

Aqaba Customs Directorate recorded the highest number of declarations among the listed customs locations, processing 208,778 declarations. This total covered Aqaba Customs, passenger vessel customs operations, Durra and Wadi Araba.

Omari Customs, which connects Jordan with Saudi Arabia, followed with 197,262 declarations.

The airport clearance customs center at Zizya and the Mashta Airport Free Zone recorded 143,000 declarations, while the Amman, Sahab and Raqeem customs facilities processed 119,558 declarations.

Jaber Customs, serving the border crossing with Syria, handled 80,239 declarations. The Zarqa Free Zone recorded 56,384 declarations, followed by the e-commerce customs center with 39,531 declarations.

Karameh Customs processed 18,304 declarations, while Mudawara Customs handled 12,429 declarations. The remaining declarations were distributed among other customs and border facilities across Jordan.

Aqaba Leads Reported Freight Movements

The syndicate’s statistics also highlighted substantial freight movements through Jordan’s border crossings and customs facilities.

The Aqaba corridor recorded 790,400 freight movements, the highest total among the corridors identified in the report.

Omari Customs followed with 508,381 movements, while Jaber Customs recorded 417,724 movements. Karameh Customs accounted for another 379,296 movements.

Separately, the Zarqa Free Zone handled 68,333 vehicles during the reporting period.

Of these, 27,185 vehicles entered the domestic market, comprising 6,737 gasoline-powered vehicles, 4,622 diesel vehicles, 6,724 hybrid vehicles and 9,102 electric vehicles.

Another 41,148 vehicles were exported outside Jordan through the free zone.

These figures illustrate the scale of freight clearance, transit movements and vehicle trade handled through Jordan’s customs and logistics network.

Aqaba’s Role as a Regional Logistics Gateway

Commenting on the figures, syndicate President Dhaifallah Abu Aqoula emphasized Aqaba’s importance as a logistics gateway for Jordan and regional markets.

He said the port increasingly serves not only Jordan’s domestic import requirements but also cargo destined for Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

Abu Aqoula described this role as supporting Jordan’s development into a regional distribution center, with Aqaba serving as a key entry point for goods moving into neighboring markets.

He also welcomed government decisions to reduce fees and facilitate cargo movements through customs centers and border crossings.

According to Abu Aqoula, measures affecting port operations, freight transport and customs procedures have helped reduce costs for traders and importers while improving the competitiveness of Jordan’s logistics corridor against alternative regional routes.

He attributed the sector’s performance to cooperation among customs authorities, port operators, logistics companies and other public and private stakeholders.

Customs Modernization and Port Infrastructure Improvements

Abu Aqoula praised the Jordan Customs Department for its role in facilitating cargo clearance and managing the movement of goods through the country’s customs facilities.

He highlighted efforts to simplify administrative procedures, automate customs transactions, reduce clearance times and develop unified single-window processes.

The syndicate president also emphasized the importance of completing customs procedures accurately and efficiently while maintaining coordination among the relevant authorities.

In addition, he acknowledged the role of security agencies operating at ports and border crossings. He said their cooperation with customs clearance and transport companies had helped facilitate inspection procedures and improve cargo movements while maintaining security and safety requirements.

Abu Aqoula also recognized the contributions of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), and the management of Aqaba’s main port and container terminal.

He highlighted infrastructure development, modernization of cargo handling systems, berth efficiency improvements and simplified port entry and exit procedures among the measures supporting Aqaba’s logistics operations.

According to Abu Aqoula, these initiatives have contributed to reducing operating costs and improving the overall efficiency of Aqaba’s port system.

Logistics Sector Supports Jordan’s Economic Modernization

The syndicate president emphasized that customs clearance, freight transport and logistics companies play an important role in handling goods arriving through Jordan’s ports and border crossings.

Their activities cover cargo entering the domestic market as well as shipments moving under transit arrangements to neighboring countries.

He linked the sector’s contribution to the objectives of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, particularly its focus on facilitating trade and strengthening the movement of goods between Jordan and regional markets.

Abu Aqoula also stressed the need for continued public-private coordination to address challenges affecting customs procedures, border operations and port activities.

The customs clearance and freight transport companies’ syndicate, established in 1982 and registered with Jordan’s Ministry of Labour, represents businesses operating across the country’s customs clearance sector.

According to the syndicate, Jordan has 467 licensed customs clearance companies operating approximately 2,000 branches across customs centers and border crossings. Together, these businesses provide around 10,000 employment opportunities for Jordanians.

The latest statistics place Aqaba’s maritime performance within a broader picture of cargo handling, customs activity and regional freight movements.

With Aqaba ports cargo throughput rising by 46% and container volumes increasing by 8%, the figures highlight the scale of activity passing through Jordan’s maritime gateway during the first 10 months of 2026.

Source: Al Mamlaka

Shipping Arabia, October 24, 2026 – Aqaba ports cargo handling increased by 14.3% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 20.51 million tons, as container throughput, vehicle movements and transit trade recorded substantial growth. The expansion was driven by higher imports, increased handling of essential commodities and growing cargo flows to regional markets, particularly Iraq, according to figures released by the Jordan Shipping Association.

Total cargo handling, excluding vehicles and containers, rose from approximately 17.95 million tons during the corresponding period of 2025. Import volumes exceeded 12.4 million tons, compared with around 9 million tons a year earlier, reflecting stronger cargo flows through Jordan’s maritime gateway.

Capt. Mohammad Al-Dalabih, Secretary General of the Jordan Shipping Association, said the figures demonstrate sustained maritime and commercial activity through Aqaba. He emphasized the importance of developing port infrastructure and improving operational efficiency to accommodate rising cargo volumes and transit traffic.

Aqaba Container Terminal Records Growth in Iraq-Bound Transit Traffic

Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) handled 786,948 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) between January and September 2026, an increase of 6.6% compared with 738,349 TEU during the same period last year.

Transit container volumes recorded significantly stronger growth, rising 151.8% to 115,762 TEU, compared with approximately 45,000 TEU in the corresponding period of 2025. The increase highlights Aqaba’s expanding role in facilitating containerized trade to neighboring markets.

Iraq emerged as one of the main drivers of this expansion. Container traffic destined for the Iraqi market surged 1,040.5% to 56,286 TEU, compared with only 4,935 TEU during the first nine months of 2025.

Refrigerated import container traffic also increased, reflecting growing demand for temperature-controlled logistics services. Reefer imports rose 25.2% to 15,846 containers, compared with 12,129 containers a year earlier.

According to the Jordan Shipping Association, the increase underscores the importance of strengthening cold chain infrastructure, refrigerated storage facilities and supporting logistics services.

RoRo Vehicle Traffic Records Exceptional Growth

Aqaba’s roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) sector registered substantial increases in both vehicle imports and exports during the reporting period.

Vehicle imports rose 114.9% to 142,955 units, compared with 66,513 vehicles during the first nine months of 2025.

Meanwhile, vehicle exports increased by more than 1,245%, reaching 18,568 units, compared with just 1,380 vehicles during the corresponding period last year.

Al-Dalabih attributed much of this growth to expanding vehicle transit traffic through Aqaba toward Saudi Arabia and other Arabian Gulf markets.

The increase reinforces the importance of specialized vehicle-handling facilities, storage yards and associated logistics infrastructure in supporting regional automotive trade.

It also places greater emphasis on maintaining efficient vehicle handling and onward transportation as transit volumes continue to expand.

Grain Imports Increase as Iraqi Demand Strengthens

Bulk grain and essential food commodity imports recorded substantial growth during the first nine months of 2026, supported largely by increased demand from the Iraqi market.

Bulk corn imports increased 108.1%, exceeding 1.1 million tons, compared with approximately 552,000 tons during the corresponding period of 2025.

Soybean imports rose 72.9% to approximately 500,000 tons, compared with 288,000 tons a year earlier. Barley imports also increased 15.6%, reaching around 972,000 tons, up from approximately 841,000 tons.

Wheat imports recorded a 30.1% increase, reaching approximately 1.1 million tons, compared with 846,000 tons during the first nine months of 2025.

Al-Dalabih explained that the growth was closely linked to stronger Iraqi demand for grain and other essential commodities, which increased cargo movements through Aqaba’s ports.

He stressed the importance of maintaining efficient supply chains and ensuring that ports and border crossings have sufficient operational capacity to handle rising volumes.

According to the association, greater coordination between port operations, transportation providers and customs clearance procedures will be essential to maintaining cargo flows and meeting the requirements of domestic and regional markets.

Energy Cargo Expands While Livestock and Phosphate Decline

Beyond containers, vehicles and grain, Aqaba recorded mixed performance across several other cargo segments.

Handling of petroleum products, gas and mineral oils increased 19% to approximately 3.78 million tons during the first nine months of 2026, compared with around 3.1 million tons during the corresponding period last year.

The increase occurred alongside expanding transit cargo movements, highlighting the importance of Aqaba’s port facilities in supporting energy supply flows and regional distribution activities.

However, livestock imports declined significantly. The number of imported animals fell 39% to approximately 543,000 head, compared with around 890,000 during the first nine months of 2025.

According to the reported figures, the decline was partly attributable to livestock carriers shifting their operations to Syrian ports instead of Aqaba.

Phosphate exports also decreased, falling 18.2% to approximately 4 million tons, compared with around 4.9 million tons during the corresponding period last year.

The decline came amid challenges affecting maritime trade, including higher shipping, transportation and insurance costs. These pressures have increased overall export expenses and affected competitiveness in international markets.

In contrast, bulk potash exports increased 5.7% to approximately 1.9 million tons, compared with 1.8 million tons in the corresponding period of 2025.

The figures demonstrate differing performance across Aqaba’s commodity segments despite the overall increase in cargo handling.

Aqaba Ports Cargo Handling Growth Highlights Infrastructure Requirements

Al-Dalabih emphasized that the continued expansion of cargo, container and vehicle traffic reinforces Aqaba’s position as a regional logistics and commercial gateway.

The growth in Iraq-bound transit cargo and vehicle movements toward Saudi Arabia and other Arabian Gulf countries has increased the importance of maintaining efficient connections between port facilities and inland transportation networks.

He called for continued development of port infrastructure, expansion of handling and storage capacity, and improvements to supporting logistics services.

Particular attention should be given to strengthening coordination between ports and land border crossings, ensuring that growing cargo volumes can move efficiently toward their final destinations.

Al-Dalabih also highlighted the need to improve customs and operational procedures, enhance transportation efficiency and expand storage facilities to support increasing trade volumes.

According to the Jordan Shipping Association, these measures are essential to strengthening Aqaba’s competitiveness as a regional transportation and logistics hub.

The association stressed that improving integration between port operations, border crossings and supporting logistics infrastructure will help maintain supply chain continuity amid regional and international developments.

With container throughput approaching 787,000 TEU, vehicle traffic rising sharply and Iraq-bound transit shipments recording exceptional growth, Aqaba’s performance during the first nine months of 2026 reflects the increasing importance of its ports in regional trade.

Source: Al Ghad

Shipping Arabia, October 23, 2026 – Aqaba ports cargo throughput increased by 12% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching approximately 19.68 million tons, according to a report issued by Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The growth was accompanied by higher container volumes and vessel arrivals, although performance varied significantly across cargo segments and port facilities.

The report, prepared by ADC’s Transport and Logistics Directorate, showed that container throughput increased by 6.58% to 786,950 TEUs. Meanwhile, vessel arrivals rose 7% to 2,060 ships, compared with 1,932 during the corresponding period of 2025.

The figures also revealed contrasting trends across the port system. Aqaba New Port and the oil terminal recorded substantial cargo growth, while phosphate shipments, liquefied natural gas (LNG) volumes, and cruise ship arrivals declined.

Aqaba New Port Records 64% Cargo Growth

Aqaba New Port recorded a 64% increase in total cargo handling during the first nine months of 2026. Throughput reached 5,848,640 tons, compared with 3,574,052 tons during the same period in 2025.

Grain handling was a major contributor to this growth, increasing 45% to 3,624,452 tons from 2,498,051 tons a year earlier. Coal volumes also increased significantly, rising 60% to 518,911 tons, compared with 324,125 tons.

The port handled 810,402 tons of bulk sugar during the reporting period, compared with no recorded volumes during the corresponding period of 2025.

Other general cargo handled at Aqaba New Port increased 20% to 894,875 tons, up from 746,476 tons.

The report also recorded a 38% increase in the category identified as stone containers, from 68,314 to 94,530. In contrast, livestock numbers declined 38%, falling from 873,442 to 543,593.

Aqaba Container Terminal Throughput Reaches 786,950 TEUs

Container handling at Aqaba Container Terminal increased by 6.58% during the first nine months of 2026. Total throughput reached 786,950 TEUs, compared with 738,348 TEUs during the corresponding period of 2025.

The report showed a 12% increase in imported containers, including transit containers. Volumes reached 415,382 container units, compared with 371,437 during the first nine months of 2025.

However, imported containers excluding transit traffic declined by 14%. Volumes fell to 299,620 container units, compared with 347,844 during the same period last year.

These figures highlight the difference between overall import container growth, including transit movements, and the decline in imported containers excluding transit traffic.

Oil Terminal Cargo Handling Rises 39% as LNG Volumes Decline

Cargo handling through Aqaba’s oil terminal increased by 39%, reaching 3,433,461 tons during the first nine months of 2026. This compares with 2,465,170 tons during the corresponding period of 2025.

Crude oil accounted for the largest reported volume, increasing 14% to 1,223,957 tons from 1,075,146 tons.

Diesel handling rose 7% to 799,561 tons, compared with 746,540 tons. Meanwhile, gasoline throughput increased 50% to 805,468 tons, up from 535,791 tons during the same period last year.

Other liquid cargo categories also recorded substantial increases. A separately reported gas category rose 176% to 54,151 tons, while potassium hydroxide handling increased 77% to 21,363 tons.

Phenol throughput climbed 309% to 147,036 tons. Chemical cargo handling also increased sharply, rising 943% to approximately 46,511 tons from 4,458 tons.

Mineral oil volumes increased 1,047% to 32,715 tons, compared with 2,853 tons in the corresponding period of 2025.

Vegetable oil handling reached 302,700 tons, compared with no recorded volumes during the previous year. In contrast, magnesium chloride volumes declined from 32,750 tons to zero.

Performance also varied across Aqaba’s gas facilities.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) throughput increased 11% to 413,181 tons, compared with 371,664 tons during the first nine months of 2025.

However, liquefied natural gas (LNG) handling declined by 31%, falling to 464,837 tons from 670,931 tons during the corresponding period last year.

Dry Bulk, Liquid Bulk and General Cargo Record Growth

The ADC report showed that dry bulk cargo handling increased 8% during the first nine months of 2026. Total dry bulk throughput reached 11,905,204 tons, compared with 11,043,692 tons during the corresponding period of 2025.

The growth reflected higher grain and coal handling, alongside the addition of bulk sugar volumes. However, several established dry bulk cargo categories recorded declines.

Phosphate handling fell 19.1% to 4,062,887 tons. Sulfur volumes declined 31% to 528,033 tons, while fertilizer throughput decreased 11% to 527,421 tons.

In contrast, grain volumes rose 45% to 3,624,452 tons, while coal throughput increased 60% to 518,911 tons. Bulk sugar handling reached 810,402 tons during the same period.

Liquid bulk cargo recorded stronger overall growth, increasing 16% to 5,428,110 tons, compared with 4,694,287 tons in the first nine months of 2025.

The increase reflected higher volumes of crude oil, diesel, gasoline, LPG, and several chemical products. Nevertheless, ammonia and phosphoric acid handling each declined by 6%, while LNG throughput fell 31%.

Beyond dry and liquid bulk cargo, general cargo handling across the port system increased by 25%. Total volumes reached 2,033,142 tons, compared with 1,626,697 tons during the corresponding period of 2025.

Vessel Arrivals Increase 7% Despite Decline in Container Ship Calls

Total vessel arrivals at Aqaba’s ports increased 7% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 2,060 ships compared with 1,932 during the same period in 2025.

Liquid bulk vessel arrivals increased 22% to 196 ships, compared with 161 vessels a year earlier.

Dredging vessel arrivals rose 28% to 102 vessels, up from 80. Dry bulk ship calls also increased slightly, rising 1% to 278 vessels from 275 during the corresponding period.

However, container vessel arrivals declined 2%, falling to 438 ships from 446 during the first nine months of 2025. This decrease occurred despite the 6.58% increase in overall container throughput.

Cruise ship arrivals recorded a sharper decline, falling 80% to just two vessels compared with 10 during the corresponding period last year.

Separately, the report recorded 95 arrivals in a category classified as vehicle-designated tourist vessels. No arrivals were recorded in this category during the first nine months of 2025.

Passenger Traffic Rises Despite Declines in Cruise Activity

The ADC report also covered passenger movements and air cargo activity during the reporting period.

Total passenger movements by land and air increased 2% to 422,487 passengers, compared with 413,718 during the corresponding period of 2025.

However, the report indicated a decline in passengers traveling aboard cruise ships, alongside the reduction in cruise vessel arrivals.

Air cargo activity also decreased during the reporting period, although the published figures did not specify the extent of the decline.

Overall, the nine-month results show higher Aqaba ports cargo throughput, container handling, and vessel arrivals. At the same time, the figures demonstrate differing performance across individual facilities and cargo segments, including declines in phosphate exports, LNG handling, and cruise activity.

Source: Al Mamlaka

Shipping Arabia, October 20, 2026 – Jordanian Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan has called for accelerating Aqaba ports expansion and modernization projects, emphasizing the importance of strengthening port capacity, operational efficiency and regional logistics connectivity. During an inspection visit to Aqaba’s port system, Hassan highlighted the ports’ growing role as a major regional gateway serving several neighboring countries despite ongoing regional challenges.

The prime minister chaired a meeting at Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM), where he reviewed port operations and development priorities. He praised the efficiency of the port system and urged officials to maintain the current pace of improvements while intensifying efforts to accommodate increasing activity.

Hassan said Jordan has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform challenges into opportunities. He credited the vision of King Abdullah II and the continued follow-up of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II for driving development and achievements in Aqaba.

Aqaba Ports Expansion and Oil Port Development

During his visit, Hassan inspected the Aqaba Oil Port and reviewed development and expansion projects scheduled for completion within the next two years.

The planned improvements aim to increase the facility’s handling capacity, strengthen Jordan’s energy supply security and reinforce Aqaba’s position as a major hub for supplying petroleum products to neighboring countries.

Hassan stressed the importance of completing these projects as part of the broader effort to expand and modernize Aqaba’s maritime infrastructure. He also called for sustained efforts across the port system to keep pace with increasing operational activity.

The prime minister emphasized the need to maintain the highest standards of safety and security throughout Aqaba’s ports. He said these standards are essential for strengthening confidence in Jordan’s maritime facilities and improving their competitiveness.

Government Measures Improve Cargo Handling and Transit Trade

Hassan highlighted several government decisions implemented over the past year to support the rapid development of Aqaba’s port system and improve trade efficiency.

According to the prime minister, these measures have significantly accelerated cargo handling and customs clearance procedures while facilitating operations for importers and exporters.

The decisions have also strengthened transit trade, increased storage yard capacity and supported the continuity of supply chains and logistics operations. In addition, they have contributed to maintaining strategic reserves and developing the infrastructure required to support port activities.

Hassan emphasized that the government remains focused on maintaining these improvements as Aqaba’s ports continue to develop and handle growing levels of activity.

Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an Railway and Dry Port Projects

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of coordinating Aqaba’s port development with major inland transport and logistics infrastructure projects.

He noted that the foundation stone for the Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway project had been laid two weeks earlier. Hassan stressed that port infrastructure and logistics services must continue to develop alongside the implementation of this strategic railway project.

The coordinated development of maritime and inland transport infrastructure aims to improve freight movement, storage efficiency and transit trade. It is also intended to strengthen Aqaba’s position on the regional transport and logistics map.

Hassan identified the Aqaba–Ma’an dry port project as another strategic development priority for the government, emphasizing its role within Jordan’s broader transport and logistics development plans.

These projects form part of the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity between Aqaba’s maritime facilities and inland logistics infrastructure.

Natural Gas Infrastructure to Support Industry and Exports

Beyond the maritime sector, Hassan highlighted the natural gas supply project serving industrial complexes in Aqaba and Quweira, which the government inaugurated approximately three months earlier.

The project is expected to reduce operating costs for Jordanian industries, improve their competitiveness and support national exports to international markets.

Hassan explained that the industrial gas supply project complements the ongoing development of Aqaba’s port system, linking improvements in industrial infrastructure with broader efforts to strengthen trade and logistics capabilities.

He also expressed optimism about the launch of additional projects in Aqaba in the near future.

Throughout his visit, the prime minister praised the efforts of those responsible for managing and operating Aqaba’s ports. He called for continued momentum and greater efforts to support ongoing development, strengthen operational performance and reinforce Aqaba’s position as a regional maritime and logistics gateway.

Source: Prime Ministry of Jordan

Shipping Arabia, October 5, 2026 – The Jordan Maritime Commission has convened a coordination meeting in Aqaba to address vessel waiting times at Aqaba ports and identify practical measures to improve cargo flow, accelerate handling operations and strengthen the efficiency of the maritime and logistics system.

The meeting was chaired at the Commission’s headquarters by Director General Ahmad Al-Assasleh. Representatives from the Ministry of Transport joined remotely, while participants also included the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Aqaba Development Corporation, the Royal Jordanian Navy, port and terminal operators, the Jordan Shipping Association, relevant security agencies and other stakeholders.

The discussions focused on current port operations, the causes behind vessel waiting cases and operational measures that could improve the movement and clearance of cargo. Participants emphasized that vessel delays have multiple causes and cannot be attributed to a single party or operational factor.

Follow-Up to August Ministerial Meeting

The meeting reviewed progress on recommendations from a ministerial meeting held in Aqaba on August 6, 2026, chaired by Minister of Transport and Minister of Labour Dr. Nidal Al-Qatamin and Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Eng. Yarub Al-Qudah.

That meeting brought together government bodies, private-sector stakeholders and other parties involved in port operations to examine operational challenges and discuss measures aimed at improving efficiency and reducing congestion.

Participants at the latest meeting reviewed the implementation of those recommendations. They noted that a significant portion had already been put into effect through Cabinet decisions approving several of the proposed measures.

According to the meeting, these steps helped address a number of operational obstacles, ease pressure and congestion, improve cargo flow and support the continuity of supply chains.

The Ministry of Transport and other government entities will continue to follow up on implementation in coordination with port operators, the private sector and other stakeholders. The process will also focus on measuring the actual impact of measures already taken and identifying any further obstacles that may require additional action.

Aqaba Vessel Waiting Times Under Review

Participants examined the circumstances behind individual vessel waiting cases, including ships that had remained at anchor or in waiting areas for extended periods.

The meeting stressed the importance of identifying the specific cause of each case rather than treating vessel waiting as a single operational problem. It also called for greater advance readiness by vessels, agents, equipment providers, transport operators, storage yards and documentation teams before cargo operations begin.

Improving readiness before a vessel reaches the operational stage was identified as an important step toward reducing delays and improving berth utilization.

Participants also reviewed operational factors affecting the handling time of some ships, particularly vessels carrying several types of cargo or cargo covered by multiple bills of lading. In such cases, the meeting emphasized the need for detailed pre-planning covering cargo types, the sequence of handling operations and equipment requirements before work starts.

This approach is intended to reduce operational stoppages and improve the use of berths and cargo-handling equipment.

Faster Cargo and Vehicle Movement

The meeting discussed measures to increase yard turnover and accelerate the removal of vehicles and cargo from port areas.

Participants highlighted the need to ensure sufficient availability of trucks and car carriers in line with the scale and pace of discharge operations. Greater transport capacity would support faster evacuation of cargo from the port and reduce pressure on storage areas.

Transit cargo was another area of focus, particularly shipments moving through Aqaba toward Iraq. Participants discussed challenges affecting these cargo flows and the need to strengthen coordination among relevant authorities to improve their movement.

Efforts to increase port capacity were also reviewed. These include the development of additional yards for vehicles and other cargo to reduce pressure on existing storage areas and support more efficient operations.

The meeting also discussed studying the rehabilitation and reactivation of Mu’tah Port/Berth for handling vessels carrying vegetable oils. Any such move would follow the completion of technical studies, safety requirements and the necessary approvals.

Advance Planning and Operational Data Sharing

Participants emphasized the importance of planning for vessels before their arrival in Aqaba.

Regular sharing of vessel arrival schedules and operational information among relevant parties was identified as a key tool for detecting possible bottlenecks early and addressing them before they develop into congestion or extended vessel waiting times.

The meeting also considered proposals for managing the number of vessels present in waiting areas and reactivating anchorage areas in accordance with technical and regulatory requirements and approvals from the relevant authorities.

Greater advance coordination with shipping lines and agents was also discussed. The aim is to reduce situations in which vessels arrive in Aqaba before operational restrictions or other constraints have been identified and addressed.

The participants stressed that improved information exchange should form part of a broader shift from reacting to congestion after it occurs toward proactive operational planning.

This requires advance knowledge of expected vessels, their characteristics and operational requirements, combined with confirmation that port, yard, transport and logistics resources are ready before arrival.

Measuring the Impact of Port Measures

The Jordan Maritime Commission stressed that follow-up should extend beyond confirming whether recommendations and decisions have been implemented.

Participants agreed that their actual effect on port performance must also be measured through clear operational indicators. These include the average vessel waiting time, the number of waiting cases resolved and the number of newly arriving ships added to waiting lists.

Authorities will also monitor vessels that remain waiting beyond defined periods, allowing stakeholders to identify persistent cases and examine the reasons behind them.

The meeting emphasized that reducing vessel waiting times requires coordinated action across government entities, port operators, logistics providers and the private sector. Clear responsibilities and practical follow-up mechanisms will therefore remain central to the process.

The Jordan Maritime Commission said it will continue coordinating with the Ministry of Transport, government authorities, the private sector and other stakeholders to follow up on meeting outcomes, Cabinet decisions and operational measures.

These efforts are intended to improve the efficiency of Aqaba’s maritime and logistics system, support supply chain continuity and strengthen the operational performance of Aqaba ports and their role in regional trade and transport.

Source: Jordan Maritime Commission

Shipping Arabia, September 28, 2026 – Aqaba port capacity measures are being expanded through a coordinated package of government and operational actions aimed at increasing cargo-handling efficiency, reducing container dwell times, improving truck circulation and adding storage capacity across the port and logistics system.

The measures form part of a package proposed by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and approved by the government to address transit cargo movements, maintain the efficiency of supply chains in Jordan, facilitate trade flows and support national food security.

They also follow the Council of Ministers’ recent approval of measures to strengthen the operational capacity of Jordan’s ports and supply chains. The latest actions build on work already carried out by the government, ASEZA, Aqaba Development Corporation, Jordan Customs Department, relevant government entities and port operators to improve the readiness of Aqaba’s port and logistics system.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Omar, commissioner for economic affairs and investment at ASEZA, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the measures are designed to address operational challenges across the logistics system rather than focusing on congestion at a single point.

Longer export free period and lower disposal charges

One of the main measures approved by the Council of Ministers increases the free period granted to national exports at ports from seven days to 14 days. The measure will remain in effect for six months from the date of the decision.

According to Abu Omar, the extension gives exporters more time to complete their procedures while reducing costs associated with storage and delays.

The government also reduced the charge for disposing of goods from JOD 500 to JOD 50 per tonne, or part thereof, effectively exempting liable parties from JOD 450 of the previous charge. The reduction will apply for three months under the conditions set by the Council of Ministers.

The measure is intended to encourage parties responsible for accumulated cargo to address those shipments more quickly, accelerate the clearance of storage areas and make better use of available storage capacity.

The wider package also includes measures to accelerate customs clearance, reduce cargo dwell times, organize truck movements, improve yard efficiency and increase capacity at ports and logistics centers.

Customs procedures and Aqaba port capacity measures

As part of efforts to accelerate clearance, customs inspections are being carried out at arrival centers wherever possible. Some inspection work involving refrigerated containers has also been moved to Customs Yard No. 4.

Authorities have meanwhile allowed clearance procedures for certain cargoes to be completed at the Amman Customs Center/Madouna. Customs targeting ratios have also been reviewed, with greater reliance placed on risk-management procedures to balance faster processing with regulatory requirements.

ASEZA said work is continuing to maintain customs operations and transaction processing at the highest possible capacity. This includes working during holidays when required.

The customs measures form a key part of the Aqaba port capacity measures because they address cargo movement beyond the quay and terminal, reducing delays during inspection and clearance stages before containers leave the port system.

Truck measures target shorter turnaround times

ASEZA has also coordinated with relevant entities on measures designed to reduce truck turnaround times and increase fleet productivity across the logistics chain.

The maximum number of monthly trips permitted for trucks carrying containers has been increased from eight to nine. In addition, the minimum interval between loads for trucks operating in the container transport segment has been reduced from 48 hours to 30 hours.

The validity period for permits issued under the truck entry and exit regulation project has also been reduced from eight hours to six hours. The change is intended to improve truck availability for cargo that is ready for transport.

Transit trips operating through border crossings have been exempted from the existing trip limits for three months. Authorities are also allowing technically equipped trucks that meet public safety requirements to carry two 20-foot containers on a single truck.

ASEZA said the measure should improve the use of the trucking fleet and increase the system’s ability to move containers out of the port.

Work is continuing to improve procedures for truck entry and load allocation. The authority said these measures are intended to improve truck availability, reduce waiting times and increase the efficiency of the truck cycle across the logistics system.

150 dunums added for empty-container storage

Storage capacity is also being expanded to ease pressure on port and logistics facilities.

ASEZA has allocated an additional 150 dunums for empty-container storage across several locations. This includes Yard No. 10, covering 70 dunums, a 20-dunum yard allocated to CTL and a further 60 dunums at other locations designated for the same purpose.

These areas are in addition to existing port yards and other facilities used for empty-container storage within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.

Authorities are also working to open additional yards at the multipurpose port for vehicle reception and storage. The planned areas will provide additional capacity for up to 6,000 vehicles, while further yards are also being considered.

ASEZA is also expanding Yard No. 4 and addressing conditions at the storage facilities used for detained cargo and dangerous goods.

Abu Omar said the combined measures are intended to distribute pressure across different parts of the logistics system, increasing its overall capacity to receive, handle, store and dispatch cargo.

Container dwell times fall as gate capacity rises

ASEZA said the measures have already produced measurable operational improvements.

Average dwell time for transit containers has declined from around 14–15 days to approximately 12 days. At the same time, the average dwell time for containers imported for the local market has remained at around eight days.

Daily capacity at container exit gates has also increased from 900 containers to 1,200 containers.

According to Abu Omar, the figures indicate an improvement in the system’s ability to handle cargo and truck movements. The newly approved government measures are intended to build on that progress, particularly by supporting national exports, releasing additional logistics-yard capacity and encouraging the processing of accumulated cargoes.

Up to 2,000 unclaimed containers being relocated

Authorities are also addressing containers and cargoes that have not been claimed within the applicable legal periods.

ASEZA is applying Article 27 of the Customs Regulation in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone to unclaimed goods, in coordination with Jordan Customs Department, relevant government entities and port operators.

The authorities have agreed on a unified mechanism to identify containers for which no customs declaration or document has been processed within the statutory periods. These periods are 21 days for local imports and five days for transit cargo.

Containers subject to detention or to judicial or administrative procedures are excluded from the process.

ASEZA is currently working to transfer between 1,500 and 2,000 containers to storage and logistics facilities operated by the authority. The facilities cover 280 dunums.

The transfer will take place under the applicable legal procedures and at the carrier’s or agent’s expense and responsibility. ASEZA said the move will release space within the port system and return that capacity to operational use.

Reefer capacity strengthened with 120 additional power points

Aqaba is also strengthening its capacity to handle refrigerated containers.

The port has added 120 electrical connections for reefer containers while authorities are addressing a shortage of refrigerated transport trucks.

Priority in handling, clearance and gate-out operations is also being given to food supplies, imports destined for the local market and national exports.

According to ASEZA, a large portion of the overall package is already in effect, while remaining operational and infrastructure measures are being completed under defined implementation plans.

The measures included in the Council of Ministers’ latest decision have entered into force according to the time periods set in the decision. Other operational actions are continuing in parallel, including yard expansion, the transfer of unclaimed containers under legal procedures and additional capacity for refrigerated containers.

Authorities are also monitoring the performance of ports, yards and trucks on a daily basis.

Coordination meetings continue between the government, ASEZA, Aqaba Development Corporation, Jordan Customs Department, relevant government entities and port operators to monitor implementation, measure results and introduce corrective measures where necessary.

ASEZA said the objective is to develop a logistics system with greater capacity to respond to demand and greater flexibility in dealing with pressures or changes in trade flows and supply chains.

Source: Jordan News Agency (Petra)