Business · Trade · 9 hrs ago
Saudi ports gain container traffic as Strait of Hormuz shipping is disrupted
Saudi ports handled about 866,000 containers in October, a 14% increase from a year earlier.
The increase comes as shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have led companies to seek other routes for goods bound for Gulf markets.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports can serve as an alternative entry point, with cargo carried by road to eastern Saudi Arabia and then shipped onward.
MSC has launched a route linking Europe to Gulf ports through Jeddah and King Abdullah ports, while Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are also using alternative transport options through Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Saudi Red Sea ports can handle more than 18 million containers a year, and the kingdom has added shipping services and invested in port and logistics infrastructure.
These alternatives matter because they can help keep goods moving when regional sea routes are disrupted.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to put more focus on ports and transport infrastructure in 2027, according to an economist cited in the story.
Saudi ports handled about 866,000 standard containers in October, a 14% increase year on year, as shipping companies rerouted cargo amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ports on the Red Sea are being used as an alternative gateway, with goods transported overland to Gulf markets.
MSC launched a route linking Europe with Gulf ports via Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port, with cargo then moved by truck to Dammam.
Saudi Arabia says Red Sea ports have annual capacity exceeding 18 million standard containers.
The country has added more than 27 shipping services in its western region, providing over 200,000 containers of additional capacity per month.
- Who
- Saudi ports and global shipping companies, including MSC, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.
- What
- Saudi ports are gaining container traffic as shipping companies use alternative routes amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
- When
- Container figures are for October; the article was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Saudi ports on the Red Sea, with cargo routed overland to Dammam and Gulf markets.
- Why
- Disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has prompted companies to seek alternative routes to Gulf markets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz prompted shipping companies to seek alternative routes to Gulf markets.
MSC launched a route connecting Europe with Gulf ports via Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port.
Saudi ports handled about 866,000 standard containers, up 14% year on year.
Al Eqtisadiah published its report on increased container traffic and alternative shipping routes.
- Saudi container handling in October
- About 866,000 standard containers; up 14% year on year
- Red Sea ports’ annual capacity
- More than 18 million standard containers
- Added western-region shipping services
- More than 27
- Additional monthly capacity
- More than 200,000 containers
- MSC route
- Europe to Gulf ports via Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port