Shipping Arabia, October 7, 2026 – Saudi empty container return procedures have been standardized by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) for designated storage yards at the Kingdom’s ports, with the measures aimed at improving operational efficiency, clarifying responsibilities and limiting additional costs resulting from changes to container return locations.
The procedures set out requirements for informing beneficiaries of where empty containers must be returned, documenting that information and managing any subsequent change to the designated location. They also define responsibility for additional costs when a return location differs from the location previously agreed.
Beneficiaries Must Receive Return Location in Advance
Under the Saudi empty container return procedures, the location and address for returning an empty container must be clearly specified when the delivery order is issued and before the beneficiary receives the container.
Mawani also requires clear and accurate information on the designated empty container return location and the storage yard assigned for the return. This is intended to give beneficiaries clear information before arranging the movement of the container.
For transit containers, the return location and city must be identified before the container is collected. According to the authority, providing this information in advance allows the beneficiary to arrange the required transportation beforehand.
Written Notice Required for Location Changes
If the designated container return location or storage yard changes, the beneficiary must be notified in writing before the scheduled return date.
Shipping agents are also required to retain documentation showing that the beneficiary was informed of the empty container return location. The same requirement applies to any subsequent update or change to that location.
These documentation requirements form part of Mawani’s effort to make the process clearer and establish a record of the information communicated to the beneficiary.
Shipping Agents Responsible for Additional Costs
The procedures also address additional costs that may arise when a previously agreed container return location changes.
Mawani stated that the shipping agent will bear additional costs resulting from changing the agreed location for the delivery or collection of the container. The measure is intended to limit the financial impact on beneficiaries when return arrangements are altered after the original location has been established.
The Saudi Ports Authority said the overall objective of the new procedures is to improve the efficiency of empty container returns, enhance clarity across the process and reduce additional costs caused by changes to designated return locations.
The measures form part of Mawani’s wider efforts to improve operational efficiency at Saudi ports by organizing the return of empty containers to designated storage yards and defining the responsibilities associated with those movements.
Source: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)