Container handling at Saudi ports rises 14% in October; Jeddah Islamic Port sets a record
RIYADH — The overall container handling across Saudi ports recorded a 14 percent year-on-year increase during the last month of October, according to Abdullah Al-Munif, spokesperson of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). He said that Jeddah Islamic Port recorded the highest monthly container-handling volume in its history in October 2026, reaching 582,900 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This marked a 27.45 percent increase over its previous record, set in June.Al-Munif noted that Jeddah Islamic Port's record performance reflects its operational efficiency and advanced logistical capabilities. “The achievement underscores the port's ability to keep pace with the rapid transformations in global trade and accommodate growing trade volumes. This milestone would help ensure the smooth flow of goods and strengthen the continuity of supply chains,” he said. According to the General Authority of Ports and Customs (GAPC), the total volume of containers handled at Saudi ports reached approximately 866,200 TEUs in October, compared to around 759,800 TEUs in the same month of 2025. The growth was driven by an 8.53 percent increase in inbound containers, which rose to approximately 305,600 TEUs from 281,600 TEUs, and a 4.83 percent increase in outbound containers, which climbed to approximately 282,900 TEUs from 269,900 TEUs. Meanwhile, transshipment containers declined by 10.54 percent to approximately 186,400 TEUs, compared to 208,400 TEUs, while transit containers totaled approximately 91,300 TEUs. In contrast, the total volume of cargo handled at Saudi ports fell by 11.7 percent to 22.36 million tons in October, compared to 25.32 million tons in the same month last year. This included 1.83 million tons of general cargo, 9.48 million tons of liquid bulk cargo, and 4.44 million tons of solid bulk cargo, while transit cargo amounted to 34,780 tons. As for maritime traffic, the number of vessels received at Saudi ports declined by 9.62 percent to approximately 1,500, compared to around 1,600 during the same period last year. Passenger traffic also decreased by 8.96 percent to approximately 87,600, compared to 96,200 passengers.The number of vehicles handled dropped by 41.46 percent to approximately 65,500, compared to around 111,900 in October last year. Conversely, the number of livestock received through the ports increased by 30.98 percent to approximately 725,100 head, compared to 553,600 head during the corresponding period in 2025.