Export Cargo

Shipping Arabia, October 9, 2026 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has extended the King Fahd Industrial Port storage exemption in Yanbu until December 5, 2026, providing a 20-day storage fee waiver for eligible loaded export cargo and empty import units. The measure aims to facilitate cargo movements and improve operational efficiency at the Red Sea port.

The extension applies to several categories of cargo and transport equipment, including containers, flat racks and trailers. Dangerous goods classified under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code are also included in the exemption for loaded exports.

According to Mawani, the extended free storage period is intended to support smoother cargo flows and strengthen the efficiency of port operations.

King Fahd Industrial Port Storage Exemption Covers Multiple Cargo Categories

Under the extended arrangement, eligible loaded export cargo will benefit from a 20-day exemption from storage charges.

The exemption covers containers, flat racks, trailers and dangerous goods classified under the IMDG Code. Including these categories provides storage flexibility for different types of export cargo handled at the port.

For empty import units, Mawani has also established a 20-day free storage period. This applies to containers, flat racks and trailers.

The distinction between loaded exports and empty imports defines the scope of the exemption. While dangerous goods are explicitly included in the loaded export category, the announcement does not separately list them under empty imports.

The exemption will remain in effect until December 5, 2026, according to the authority’s announcement.

Supporting Cargo Flow and Operational Efficiency at Yanbu

Mawani stated that extending the storage fee exemption will support the smooth movement of goods and enhance operational efficiency at King Fahd Industrial Port.

The measure provides eligible exporters, shipping lines and logistics operators with additional flexibility in managing cargo storage and equipment movements.

A 20-day free storage period can provide more time to coordinate export shipments and manage the movement of empty transport equipment without incurring storage charges during the eligible period.

The inclusion of containers, flat racks and trailers also reflects the range of cargo transport equipment covered by the arrangement.

For businesses using King Fahd Industrial Port, the extension provides a defined period of storage cost relief for qualifying exports and empty imports.

The initiative is consistent with Mawani’s stated objective of improving cargo movement and operational efficiency at the port.

By maintaining the exemption until December 5, 2026, the authority is continuing a measure designed to facilitate port operations and support the movement of goods through Yanbu.

Source: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)

Shipping Arabia, September 19, 2026 – Jordan has approved a new package of measures to ease operational pressure across Aqaba’s port and logistics system, including doubling the free period for national exports at Aqaba Container Terminal from seven to 14 days for six months, as the kingdom moves to strengthen supply chain resilience and maintain cargo flows.

The measures were approved by the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, and build on earlier steps to expand storage capacity, develop logistics centers and supporting infrastructure, accelerate customs clearance and provide alternative sea-land multimodal corridors.

The government also reduced the charge associated with the destruction of cargo from JOD 450 to JOD 50 per tonne or part thereof for three months, subject to specified conditions and coordination with the Ministry of Finance.

Operational measures already introduced include transferring part of customs clearance activity to Amman Customs, exempting transit truck movements through border crossings from existing trip limits for three months and increasing the permitted number of daily container-truck trips to nine.

Trucks meeting technical and safety requirements are also being permitted to carry two 20-foot containers on a single vehicle, while priority in handling, clearance and gate-out is being given to food cargo, imports destined for the domestic market and Jordanian exports.

The measures are already being reflected in port performance. Average dwell time for transit containers has fallen from around 15 days to 12 days, while inbound local containers are averaging around eight days. Daily container gate-out capacity has increased from approximately 900 to 1,200 containers, helping reduce pressure on the port and accelerate cargo movement.

The latest measures reinforce Aqaba’s role as Jordan’s principal maritime gateway and an increasingly important regional transit corridor, with the government seeking to increase port capacity and logistics flexibility while limiting additional costs caused by shipping delays and regional supply chain disruption.

Source: Alghad