Shipping Arabia, November 1, 2026 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has approved temporary storage charges and free-storage periods for transit cargo and empty containers at Saudi ports. The measures will remain in effect for 60 days and aim to address exceptional circumstances and operational challenges affecting maritime traffic, supply chains and logistics services.
The decision introduces temporary schedules governing storage charges and exemption periods for the specified cargo categories. Mawani said the arrangements aim to maintain business continuity, facilitate port operations and reduce the impact of current disruptions on maritime transport and logistics activities.
Temporary Storage Charges and Free Periods at Saudi Ports
Under the new circular, Saudi ports storage charges and free-storage periods for transit cargo and empty containers will follow the schedules attached to the directive.
The applicable charges and exemption periods will depend on the individual port, cargo classification, storage duration, tariff bracket and calculation unit. Each port and cargo category will therefore be subject to the provisions specified in the relevant schedules.
Mawani confirmed that the temporary arrangements will remain effective for 60 days from the circular’s implementation date.
Following this period, the storage charges and free periods established under the Port Services Fees and Charges Regulations (Fourth Edition), including subsequent amendments, will automatically resume. However, Mawani may issue another circular modifying or terminating the temporary arrangements.
The authority described the decision as a temporary regulatory measure introduced in response to the exceptional circumstances and operational challenges currently affecting the maritime and logistics sectors.
Supporting Port Operations and Supply Chain Continuity
Mawani explained that the temporary storage arrangements aim to maintain uninterrupted business activity and facilitate the movement of cargo through Saudi ports.
The measures also seek to strengthen the ability of ports to accommodate cargo movements while maintaining the efficiency of services provided to port users.
According to the authority, the decision forms part of its efforts to mitigate the effects of current operational challenges on maritime traffic, supply chains and logistics services.
By establishing temporary storage schedules for transit cargo and empty containers, Mawani aims to support operational continuity and preserve the flow of goods through Saudi Arabia’s port network.
Implementation Requirements and Previous Storage Charges
The circular also introduces requirements for stakeholders responsible for applying storage charges and administering free-storage periods.
From its effective date, the new directive supersedes provisions relating to storage charges and exemption periods for the covered cargo categories contained in previous circulars. Those earlier provisions will no longer apply to cargo covered by the temporary arrangements.
All relevant parties must implement the attached schedules and update their operational systems accordingly. This includes adjustments to the systems used to calculate, invoice and collect storage charges.
However, the circular explicitly preserves storage charges accrued during previous periods. Any amounts already payable under the earlier arrangements will remain due.
The temporary framework will apply for the designated 60-day period unless Mawani issues further instructions changing or ending the measures.
Source: Maaal