Cargo Clearance

Shipping Arabia, October 10, 2026 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has introduced new Port Community System enhancements aimed at improving service efficiency, simplifying cargo clearance procedures, and increasing transparency in container storage charge calculations. The updates form part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to develop digital services and facilitate procedures for port users.

Announced on October 4, the improvements cover three operational areas: inbound container storage charges, cargo exit permit validity, and electronic shipment readiness verification.

Through these changes, Mawani aims to provide more accurate storage charge calculations, greater flexibility in cargo exit procedures, and easier access to shipment information through its digital platform.

Improving Container Storage Charge Calculations

One of the key Port Community System enhancements focuses on improving the calculation of storage charges for inbound containers.

Mawani has updated the timestamp calculation mechanism used to determine container storage fees. The improvement aims to increase the accuracy and transparency of calculations, providing port users with clearer information about applicable charges.

The enhancement addresses an important administrative component of container handling by improving how storage periods are calculated within the digital system.

By refining this process, the authority seeks to make storage charge calculations more reliable and transparent for businesses and other stakeholders using Saudi Arabia’s ports.

Extending Cargo Exit Permit Validity

Mawani has also extended the validity period for cargo exit permits to 24 hours from the time a permit request is submitted.

The change provides port users with greater flexibility to complete the procedures required for cargo to leave the port. It is intended to facilitate cargo release arrangements and simplify the administrative process.

The extended validity period forms part of the authority’s efforts to improve the efficiency of port services and make cargo handling procedures more convenient for beneficiaries.

Introducing Digital Shipment Readiness Verification

Another improvement involves a digital service that allows users to verify shipment readiness through the Port Community System.

The service enables beneficiaries to check shipment status electronically and confirm whether cargo is ready to leave the port.

This functionality provides users with direct access to shipment readiness information, supporting clearer coordination of cargo exit procedures.

Alongside the improvements to storage charge calculations and exit permit validity, the service strengthens the range of digital functions available to port stakeholders.

Supporting Digital Transformation Across Saudi Ports

The latest Port Community System enhancements reflect Mawani’s continued focus on improving its digital services and simplifying procedures for businesses operating through Saudi Arabia’s ports.

By addressing storage fee calculations, cargo exit permits, and shipment readiness verification, the authority is targeting administrative processes that directly affect port users.

The improvements aim to increase service efficiency, enhance transparency, and provide greater flexibility when completing cargo-related procedures.

Through the continued development of its Port Community System, Mawani is working to strengthen the accessibility and efficiency of digital port services while facilitating day-to-day operations for stakeholders across the maritime and logistics sectors.

Source: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)

Shipping Arabia, October 9, 2026 – Syria is advancing Latakia Port infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements aimed at strengthening cargo-handling capabilities, accelerating cargo movements and simplifying administrative procedures. The ongoing rehabilitation program includes new port equipment, improvements to operational facilities and measures to facilitate trade-related transactions.

Tamim Sawaghi, Deputy Head of the General Authority for Borders and Customs for Port Affairs, conducted an inspection visit to Latakia Port to review ongoing development projects and assess operational performance.

The visit focused on infrastructure rehabilitation, cargo movement efficiency and procedures designed to improve services for traders and transport operators. Officials also reviewed measures to facilitate cargo reception, unloading and transportation within the port.

Latakia Port Infrastructure Upgrades and Cargo-Handling Equipment

During the inspection, Latakia Port Director Abdul Hamid Al-Wahb briefed Sawaghi on the rehabilitation and equipment modernization activities currently underway.

The projects include upgrading port infrastructure and introducing new machinery to support cargo-handling operations. These improvements aim to strengthen the port’s operational capacity and increase the efficiency of cargo reception, unloading and transportation.

The addition of handling equipment forms part of efforts to improve service quality and facilitate cargo movements through the port. The rehabilitation work also addresses the operational requirements of port facilities and cargo-handling areas.

Officials reviewed the organization of cargo yards and other port facilities during the visit. This assessment focused on maintaining orderly operations and improving the movement of goods through different sections of the port.

The General Authority for Borders and Customs is overseeing these improvements as part of its efforts to develop the performance of Syria’s maritime ports.

One-Stop Service System Aims to Accelerate Port Procedures

Administrative efficiency represents another important component of the operational improvements at Latakia Port.

During the inspection, Sawaghi reviewed the port’s one-stop service system and its role in simplifying procedures for traders and transport operators.

The system aims to improve coordination between the departments responsible for processing port-related transactions. By bringing together relevant administrative services, the initiative seeks to reduce processing times and facilitate the completion of required procedures.

Greater coordination between port departments is also intended to improve the flow of transactions associated with cargo movements. These measures complement the infrastructure and equipment improvements currently underway.

The inspection therefore addressed both the physical handling of cargo and the administrative processes that support commercial operations.

Strengthening Syria’s Maritime Port Operations

The inspection visit forms part of the General Authority for Borders and Customs’ ongoing field supervision of maritime port operations and rehabilitation activities.

Through these visits, the authority aims to monitor progress, assess operational requirements and support improvements in the quality of port services.

At Latakia Port, the current development efforts focus on improving cargo-handling efficiency, organizing operational areas and reducing administrative processing times.

Together, these measures are intended to strengthen the port’s ability to accommodate cargo movements and provide more efficient services to shipping-related businesses, traders and transport operators.

The authority emphasized that developing maritime port performance and improving service quality remain important objectives in supporting trade activity and meeting the needs of Syria’s economic sectors.

Source: General Authority for Borders and Customs – Syria