Jeddah:President of the Transport General Authority (TGA) Fawaz Alsahli inaugurated the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress 2026 on Wednesday in Jeddah. The event was attended by a distinguished group of leaders, experts, and specialists in the maritime transport and logistics sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the congress aims to discuss the sector's future amid global economic and geopolitical shifts and explore opportunities and solutions to enhance the efficiency of international trade and improve the reliability and sustainability of supply chains.
The two-day congress serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among relevant entities and industry leaders. It focuses on developing the maritime transport and logistics system and enhancing integration between ports, transport networks, and global markets. The event also seeks to explore investment and innovation opportunities and discuss challenges facing trade flows and maritime navigation amid international developments.
In his opening remarks, Alsahli emphasized the rapid transformation in global trade and supply chains, highlighting the importance of coordinated international efforts to enhance the security of maritime corridors, ensure safe navigation, and maintain the uninterrupted flow of trade. He noted that Saudi Arabia has prioritized the development of the transport and logistics sector under Saudi Vision 2030, with the aim of improving integration between different modes of transport and enhancing service efficiency.
Alsahli also mentioned that more than 33 new maritime services have been launched recently, alongside the deployment of over 500,000 trucks linking ports with factories and warehouses across Saudi cities and Gulf countries. This integration of maritime and land transport supports the smooth movement of goods and the stability of supply chains.
The congress sessions address several strategic topics, including geopolitical shifts and their impact on global trade, the competitiveness of ports and shipping lines, maritime infrastructure security, and the future of ports as integrated industrial and logistics ecosystems. Other discussions focus on maritime transport sustainability, the transition to alternative fuels, and enhancing seafarers' safety and protection.
The congress is expected to strengthen cooperation among government entities, the private sector, and international partners. It aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices and explore new investment and partnership opportunities, supporting the development of the maritime transport and logistics sector and advancing the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
