The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), together with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, has embarked on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year, which aims to enhance logistical connectivity between air and sea gateways, facilitating multimodal movement through Saudi Arabia, according to a press release from Mawani.
Jeddah Islamic Port recently conducted a successful trial of sea-to-air integration. Kanoo Logistics transported cargo from Jeddah Islamic Port to King Abdulaziz International Airport utilizing the services of SAL Saudi Logistics Services. The shipment was then dispatched by air to its final destination.
According to the release, this trial underscores commitment to bolstering the integration between the Kingdom’s air and sea ports, leveraging the advanced infrastructure and strategic positioning of Jeddah Islamic Port.
"Its location along a major global trade route reinforces its status as the premier port on the Red Sea coast for maritime trade and transshipment of cargo and containers," the release said.
The memorandum aims to strengthen air-sea connectivity, helping the seamless flow of goods by both air and sea. It is designed to support logistics operations and reinforce the Kingdom's pivotal role in the global logistics arena, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and Saudi Vision 2030. It is also expected to "lead to improvements in logistics and customs services across various sectors".
The agreement covers a broad spectrum of collaborative areas, including investigating potential connections between sea and air ports, carrying out shipping simulations across these channels, and addressing any issues that may surface during the trial phase. It also involves bolstering cargo movement by activating and promoting air and sea freight services through seaports and airports, on both domestic and global scale.
Moreover, the agreement includes "exchange of information and resources that can amplify the efficiency of logistics operations within the Kingdom. It also seeks to streamline access to these services for customers, making it more user-friendly and convenient," the release said.
