Shipping industry converges in Dammam for Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2025

The 6th Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress was officially opened in Dammam this week during a keynote address by the event’s patron, H.E. the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

Addressing an audience graced by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif Al Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province, His Excellency spoke on Saudi Arabia’s outstanding growth in the maritime and logistics sectors under the guidance of Saudi Vision 2030, and its role as a leader in the Middle East.

“The Kingdom leads the region in tonnage, with its fleet growing by 30% this year. The number of vessels flying its flag reached 427, with a total tonnage exceeding 11 million tons. More than 2,350 Saudi seafarers work on board, representing an 11% growth rate through 2024. This places it among the 20 largest global maritime fleets and one of the top ten countries in shipping services efficiency,” His Excellency said.

“The Kingdom also hosts more than ten major ports with a combined capacity exceeding 1.1 billion tons. These achievements confirm the Kingdom's progress as a major hub in international supply chains and a global logistics centre,” he added.

The two-day event hosted high-level discussions among industry leaders on the challenges facing global and regional shipping and logistics, and the solutions and investments being made by Saudi companies and their partners to drive sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the show’s own growth, Eng. Ahmed Alsubaey, CEO at Bahri, founding strategic partner of SMLC, said: “What began as a shared vision between partners has become a flagship event on the global maritime calendar. And today, it stands as proof of what is possible when ambition is paired with action.”