Shipping Arabia, October 22, 2026 – The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026 opened at Jeddah Superdome on October 21, bringing together government officials, maritime executives and industry stakeholders for two days of discussions on port competitiveness, shipping connectivity, digital transformation and global trade. The opening day also featured industry agreements and discussions addressing operational efficiency, investment and supply chain resilience.
The official opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Eng. Fawaz Bin Znaf Alsahli, President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA), who toured the exhibition before delivering the welcome address. His participation marked the formal opening of the two-day congress, scheduled for October 21–22.
The event’s conference program brought together industry representatives to examine developments influencing maritime transport and logistics. Discussions addressed shipping routes, capacity, investment decisions and the challenges facing global supply chains.
Industry Agreements Signed During Opening Day
The first day of the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026 featured the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between several industry participants, highlighting opportunities for cooperation across the maritime and logistics sectors.
NASS and OSM Thome signed an MOU during the exhibition, while a separate agreement was signed between Faisal M. Higgi (FMH) and Bahar. The congress organizers presented both agreements as commitments to strengthening industry partnerships and exploring new opportunities.
The signings formed part of a broader opening-day program that combined commercial engagement with discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime industry.
Port Competitiveness and Shipping Line Requirements Take Center Stage
Port competitiveness and the factors influencing shipping line decisions were among the subjects addressed during the congress.
Karim Omran, Commercial Vice President at Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), participated in a panel discussion titled “Competing for Cargo: What Shipping Lines Want and How Ports Win It.”
The discussion examined the factors shaping shipping lines’ port selection decisions, including operational certainty and digital competitiveness. Panel participants also explored the considerations influencing cargo attraction and trade flows within Saudi Arabia.
The session addressed how ports compete for cargo and the operational capabilities that influence their attractiveness to shipping lines. Digital performance and operational reliability featured among the central themes of the discussion.
Saudi Global Ports Highlights the Role of Ports in Industrial Development
Saudi Global Ports (SGP) also participated in the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026, contributing to discussions on the evolving relationship between ports, industrial development and international trade.
Omar Basleem, Head of Operations and Engineering at SGP Container Terminals in Jubail, joined a panel titled “The Future Port: Beyond Trade into Industrial Ecosystems.”
The discussion focused on the role of ports in connecting global trade with industrial development. It also addressed how port infrastructure and operations contribute to attracting investment, strengthening supply chains and supporting economic growth.
SGP’s participation highlighted the wider economic role of ports beyond traditional cargo handling, particularly their connections with industrial activities and supply chain development.
Geopolitical Pressures, Trade Resilience and Digital Transformation
The conference program also examined the forces reshaping global trade, with sessions covering geopolitical developments, digital transformation, operational performance and regional connectivity.
During a session focused on geopolitical shifts and trade resilience, Akshay Anand, CEO and Group Member at ABSA Al Barrak Group, discussed the transportation industry’s ability to adapt under pressure.
Anand acknowledged the challenges confronting the sector while emphasizing its resilience during recent months.
“The pressure on the entire transportation industry is massive,” Anand said, expressing pride in how the industry had endured difficult conditions.
He emphasized that the industry had remained strong and resilient despite continuing challenges, adding that businesses were prepared to respond to the pressures they face.
The discussion reflected one of the congress’s central themes: the need for maritime transport and logistics operators to maintain resilience while responding to changing trade conditions.
Across the opening day’s sessions, speakers examined how operational performance, digital capabilities and stronger regional connectivity could support the maritime and logistics sectors.
The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026 continues through October 22 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders for discussions on maritime development, trade connectivity and opportunities for collaboration.
Source: Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress; Saudi Global Ports; Red Sea Gateway Terminal
