Jeddah Islamic Port named key hub for Gemini’s AE19, E16 shipping routes

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the elevation of Jeddah Islamic Port as a primary hub on the AE19 and E16 shipping services operated by the Gemini Cooperation alliance, which includes Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. The updated routes will now pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s direct maritime connectivity with major markets in Asia and Europe.

This update highlights Jeddah Islamic Port’s pivotal role in global shipping networks. The AE19 service will now include the port twice in its operational cycle—first on the westbound journey from Asia to the Mediterranean, and again on the return southbound trip—offering broader connectivity and greater flexibility for cargo movement to and from the Kingdom.

The selection of Jeddah Islamic Port as a key stop on these services builds on its strategic location on the Red Sea, advanced operational capabilities, and modern infrastructure, making it increasingly attractive to global shipping lines and reinforcing its status as a main maritime gateway for Saudi Arabia on one of the world’s most important trade routes.

The E16 service connects Jeddah Islamic Port with Qingdao and Taicang in China, Gwangyang in South Korea, and Klang in Malaysia, passing through the Suez Canal, Port Said and Damietta in Egypt, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Singapore.

The AE19 service links Jeddah Islamic Port to Shanghai, Qingdao, and Taicang in China, Busan in South Korea, Klang in Malaysia, via the Suez Canal, Port Said in Egypt, Tangier in Morocco, and Singapore.

This update will reduce the full operational cycle by about two weeks, from 16 to 14 weeks, while maintaining weekly sailings. This improvement will boost fleet efficiency and enhance service quality for importers and exporters.

The development further cements Jeddah Islamic Port’s position as a central hub linking Saudi Arabia to global markets, supporting supply chain continuity, and strengthening the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s ports and logistics sector. It also contributes to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics center in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030.