Saudi Arabia boosts maritime connectivity with Syria, Turkiye via EXS6 service
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's maritime connectivity with Syria and Turkiye is set to improve with the launch of the EXS6 shipping service, strengthening the Kingdom's trade links with international markets.
Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, announced on Feb. 25 the addition of a new shipping service by Caerus, which will connect Jeddah Islamic Port with İskenderun Port in Turkiye and Latakia Port in Syria — offering a capacity of 858 twenty-foot equivalent units.
This will enhance the terminal's competitive advantage, improve maritime connectivity, support national exports and imports, and strengthen maritime ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria.
According to Mawani's statement, the service launch also maximizes Jeddah's port competitive value.
The development aligns with the authority's strategy to improve the Kingdom's standing in the global maritime connectivity index, optimize port operations, and strengthen the nation's trade ties with international markets.
It also supports the country's National Transport and Logistics Strategy — a comprehensive plan designed to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, enhancing its position as a key international trade and transport center.
Mawani, which recently earned the bronze level in the 2024 King Abdulaziz Quality Award for the government sector, emphasized its role in advancing the development of Saudi ports through strategic partnerships with major international shipping lines. These efforts are enhancing the global standing of the ports, expanding maritime trade routes, and improving infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Earlier in February, Mawani introduced five new shipping services by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk at Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port, aimed at strengthening the Kingdom's ports and boosting their regional and global competitiveness.
The new services link these terminals to key international destinations, including Port Said in Egypt, Morocco's Tangier, and Algeciras in Spain. The destinations also include Aqaba in Jordan, Jebel Ali in the UAE, and Mundra and Pipavav of India, as well as Salalah in Oman, with a combined capacity of 19,869 TEUs.
Jeddah Islamic Port has been chosen as the central hub for the 'Gemini' collaboration between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, further cementing Saudi ports' role as a logistics hub bridging three continents. This move enhances cargo-handling efficiency, supports trade growth, and drives economic development, Mawani said.
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