New Shipping Service Boosts Saudi Arabia’s Maritime Links

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is expanding its global maritime connections with the introduction of a new shipping service that will strengthen trade ties with major ports in India and China. The General Authority for Ports, also known as Mawani, announced the launch of the "Milaha Gulf Express 2" or 2-MGX service, operated by Qatari navigation company Milaha.

This strategic development is expected to significantly enhance the port’s role in international trade, providing exporters, importers, and shipping agents with improved access to crucial global markets. The new service is designed to offer faster and more efficient shipping routes, which is anticipated to reduce transit times and costs for businesses operating in these regions.

Milaha, a leading maritime and logistics company in the Middle East, has long been a key player in facilitating trade within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The introduction of the 2-MGX service marks another step in the company’s efforts to expand its reach and service offerings, catering to the growing demand for robust maritime links between the Middle East and Asia.

The 2-MGX service will connect King Abdulaziz Port directly with major ports in India, including Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Hazira, as well as ports in China, such as Shanghai and Ningbo. This new route is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the economic diversification goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil exports by boosting non-oil trade sectors.

King Abdulaziz Port is one of the largest and most important ports in the Kingdom, serving as a critical gateway for goods entering and leaving the Eastern Province. With the introduction of the 2-MGX service, the port is poised to handle an even greater volume of cargo, thereby solidifying its position as a key hub for international trade in the region.

Mawani’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and capacity of Saudi Arabia’s ports is evident in its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand port infrastructure. The authority has been actively working on various initiatives to increase the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s maritime sector, including investments in technology, logistics, and port facilities.

The new shipping service is also expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy by creating job opportunities and stimulating growth in related industries such as logistics, transportation, and warehousing. As trade between Saudi Arabia, India, and China continues to grow, the 2-MGX service will be instrumental in facilitating the smooth flow of goods and contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.

Milaha’s decision to launch the 2-MGX service in partnership with King Abdulaziz Port reflects the strong economic ties between the Gulf region and Asia, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative, spearheaded by China, aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and the 2-MGX service is likely to play a role in advancing these objectives.

The introduction of the 2-MGX service is not only a testament to the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a key player in global trade but also highlights the country’s strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes. As the Kingdom continues to invest in its maritime infrastructure, King Abdulaziz Port is expected to become an increasingly vital link in the global supply chain, connecting the Middle East with key markets around the world.