JEDDAH: The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the introduction of the Middle East Red Sea 1 (MER1) shipping service at Jeddah Islamic Port, in collaboration with CStar Line and UGL, aiming to enhance regional maritime connectivity and support Saudi Arabia's ambitions as a global logistics hub. According to Saudi Press Agency, the new service will link Jeddah Islamic Port with vital ports in India, UAE, Djibouti, and Yemen. This initiative is part of Mawani's efforts to improve Saudi Arabia's position in the global maritime network, increase the operational efficiency of ports, and strengthen connections with international markets. The MER1 service, boasting a capacity of 1,600 TEUs, is expected to bolster trade and economic relations between Saudi Arabia and the connected countries. The strategic partnership and the launch of the MER1 service align with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global logistics hub. This dev elopment is anticipated to enhance the export and import activities significantly, reinforcing the Kingdom's economic growth.
