Shipping companies in Saudi Arabia play a vital role in the country’s economy and global trade. They offer a variety of services, including international shipping, export, and import. These companies also play a key role in the transportation of goods and services to and from Saudi Arabia’s major ports and industrial centers.
With a coastline extending over 2640 kilometers along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographical location has catapulted it into a strategic shipping hub, serving as a critical transit point for goods entering and exiting the Middle East.
The establishment of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) in 2006 is responsible for the management and operation of all of Saudi Arabia’s commercial ports. Its establishment has helped to modernize and improve the efficiency of the country’s port infrastructure.
Shipping companies in Saudi Arabia are the backbone of the country’s economy, transporting over 90% of its imports and exports. In 2022, the value of Saudi Arabia’s maritime trade exceeded $500 billion, making it one of the largest maritime trading nations in the world.
These companies are not only responsible for the safe and timely transportation of goods but also offer a range of services, such as managing shipping rates and providing solutions for your specific needs.
Importance of Shipping Companies in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to a thriving shipping industry, with a number of large and well-established shipping companies operating in the country. These companies play a vital role in the Saudi economy, transporting goods and services to and from the country’s major ports and industrial centers.
The shipping industry contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. In 2022, the industry generated over $20 billion in revenue. This is expected to grow to over $30 billion by 2025. The shipping industry also supports a wide range of other economic sectors, such as manufacturing, retail, and construction.
The shipping industry employs directly and indirectly thousands of people in Saudi Arabia. Shipping companies provide jobs in a variety of fields, including maritime operations, logistics, and customer service. The industry also supports job creation in other sectors, such as port operations, freight forwarding, and warehousing.
The Saudi government is committed to supporting the growth of the shipping sector through its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.
Also Read: List of Leading Shipping Companies in QatarTop 20 Shipping Companies in Saudi Arabia
1. National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri)
- Location: Dammam
- Website: bahri.sa
Bahri is the largest shipping company in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest in the world. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. Bahri also has a number of logistics subsidiaries.
Bahri was established in 1978 and has grown to become a global leader in the shipping industry. It has a fleet of over 90 vessels and operates in over 50 countries.
Bahri is committed to providing its customers with high-quality and reliable services. It is also committed to environmental protection and has implemented a number of measures to reduce its carbon footprint.
2. Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: mawani.gov.sa
Mawani is a government-owned port operator in Saudi Arabia. It manages and operates all of the country’s major commercial ports.
Mawani was established in 2006 and has since invested heavily in the modernization and improvement of Saudi Arabia’s port infrastructure.
Mawani plays a vital role in the Saudi economy, facilitating trade and supporting economic growth. It also provides a number of employment opportunities and contributes to the development of the Saudi maritime sector.
3. Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Ltd.
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: haaisco.com
Alireza is a leading Saudi conglomerate with a significant presence in the shipping industry. It operates a number of shipping companies, including the Saudi National Navigation Company (SNC) and the Saudi United Navigation Company (SUN). Alireza also provides a number of logistics services, such as freight forwarding and customs clearance.
Alireza has been operating in the shipping industry for over 50 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
Alireza is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi shipping industry and is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a global maritime hub.
4. BAFCO International Shipping and Logistics Co. Ltd. (BAFCO)
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: bafcointl.com
BAFCO is a leading Saudi shipping and logistics company. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. BAFCO also provides a number of logistics services, such as warehousing, customs clearance, and freight forwarding.
BAFCO has been operating in the shipping industry for over 30 years and has a strong reputation for quality and service.
BAFCO is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi shipping industry and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for foreign investment.
5. Four Winds Logistics Saudi Arabia Ltd. (FWL)
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: fourwinds-ksa.com
FWL is a leading Saudi logistics company. It offers a wide range of logistics services, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation. FWL also provides a number of shipping services, such as container shipping and air freight.
FWL has been operating in the logistics industry for over 20 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
FWL is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi logistics sector and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
6. CMA CGM Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: cma-cgm.com
CMA CGM is a leading global shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. CMA CGM also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
CMA CGM has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 40 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
CMA CGM is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a global trade hub.
7. Maersk Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: maersk.com
Maersk is another leading global shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. Maersk also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
Maersk has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 60 years and has a strong reputation for quality and service.
Maersk is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi shipping industry and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for foreign trade.
8. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: msc.com
MSC is another leading global shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. MSC also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
MSC has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 40 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
MSC is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a global maritime hub.
9. Hapag-Lloyd Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: hapag-lloyd.com
Hapag-Lloyd is another leading global shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. Hapag-Lloyd also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
Hapag-Lloyd has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 50 years and has a strong reputation for quality and service.
Hapag-Lloyd is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi shipping industry and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
10. COSCO SHIPPING Lines Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: coscoshipping.com
COSCO SHIPPING Lines is a leading Chinese shipping company with a growing presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. COSCO SHIPPING Lines also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
COSCO SHIPPING Lines has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years and is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy.
COSCO SHIPPING Lines is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for foreign trade and investment.
11. OOCL Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: oocl.com
OOCL is a leading Asian shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. OOCL also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
OOCL has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
OOCL is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a global trade hub.
12. ONE Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: one-line.com
ONE is a leading global shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. ONE also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
ONE has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 10 years and is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy.
ONE is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for foreign trade and investment.
13. Yang Ming Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: yangming.com
Yang Ming is a leading Taiwanese shipping company with a growing presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. Yang Ming also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
Yang Ming has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years and is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy.
Yang Ming is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
14. Hyundai Merchant Marine Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: hmm21.com
HMM is a leading South Korean shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. HMM also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
HMM has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years and is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy.
HMM is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for foreign trade and investment.
15. Evergreen Line Saudi Arabia
- Location: Jeddah
- Website: evergreen-line.com
Evergreen is a leading Taiwanese shipping company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping. Evergreen also has a number of logistics subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia.
Evergreen has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 40 years and is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy.
Evergreen is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
16. Aramex Saudi Arabia
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: aramex.com
Aramex is a leading global logistics company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of logistics services, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation. Aramex also provides a number of shipping services, such as express delivery and e-commerce fulfillment.
Aramex has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
Aramex is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for foreign trade and investment.
17. FedEx Saudi Arabia
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: fedex.com
FedEx is a leading global express delivery company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of express delivery services, including international shipping, domestic shipping, and same-day delivery. FedEx also provides a number of logistics services, such as freight forwarding and customs clearance.
FedEx has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
FedEx is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
18. DHL Saudi Arabia
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: dhl.com
DHL is another leading global express delivery company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of express delivery services, including international shipping, domestic shipping, and same-day delivery. DHL also provides a number of logistics services, such as freight forwarding and customs clearance.
DHL has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
DHL is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
19. UPS Saudi Arabia
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: ups.com
UPS is another leading global express delivery company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. It offers a wide range of express delivery services, including international shipping, domestic shipping, and same-day delivery. UPS also provides a number of logistics services, such as freight forwarding and customs clearance.
UPS has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years and has a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency.
UPS is committed to supporting the growth of the Saudi economy and is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market.
20. Zajil Express
- Location: Riyadh
- Website: zajil-express.com
Zajil Express is a leading Saudi express delivery company with a growing presence in the global market. It offers a wide range of express delivery services, including international shipping, domestic shipping, and same-day delivery. Zajil Express also provides a number of logistics services, such as freight forwarding and customs clearance.
Zajil Express has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 10 years and is committed to providing its customers with the best possible service.
Zajil Express is helping to make Saudi Arabia a more competitive global market by offering reliable and affordable express delivery services.
FAQs
Shipping companies in Saudi Arabia play a crucial role in facilitating international trade, transporting goods to and from the country’s major ports, and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.
Mawani, established in 2006, manages and operates Saudi Arabia’s major commercial ports, helping modernize and improve the country’s port infrastructure to support economic growth and trade.
The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) is the largest shipping company and offers services including container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tanker shipping, and RoRo shipping, with a global presence.
The Saudi government is committed to promoting the shipping industry through initiatives such as the Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global maritime hub.
Shipping companies in Saudi Arabia serve regions along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, making the country a strategic transit point for goods entering and exiting the Middle East.
In 2022, the shipping industry generated over $20 billion in revenue, with expectations of exceeding $30 billion by 2025, benefiting various sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and construction.
Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Ltd. (Alireza) operates several shipping companies, including Saudi National Navigation Company (SNC) and Saudi United Navigation Company (SUN), in addition to offering logistics services.
International shipping companies like Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC play a significant role in transporting goods to and from Saudi Arabia, supporting the nation’s economic growth.
Conclusion
Shipping companies play a vital role in the Saudi economy and global trade. They are essential for the country’s economic growth and development. The Saudi government is committed to supporting the growth of the shipping sector through its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.
For businesses seeking to transport goods to and from Saudi Arabia, the options are diverse and dynamic. Whether you are an exporter looking for reliable shipping companies to transport your products to international markets or an importer searching for efficient solutions to bring goods into the kingdom, Saudi Arabia’s shipping industry has evolved to meet these needs.
They facilitate international trade, boost economic growth, create jobs, and support the development of infrastructure. The Saudi government is committed to supporting the growth of the shipping industry, and it has implemented a number of initiatives to achieve this goal.
