In a move reflecting its pivotal and influential role on the international stage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting maritime safetyand enhancing the resilience of global supply chains. This reaffirmation stems from the Kingdom's strategic geographic location, connecting three major continents and overlooking two of the world's most vital waterways: the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. This makes it a key partner in the stability of the global economy and the flow of international trade.
These assurances came during the participation of the Kingdom's official delegation in the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, held at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. The Saudi delegation was headed by Captain Yousef Al-Hassan, Vice President for Regulation at the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), and included a select group of representatives and experts from the Ministry of Energy, the General Directorate of Border Guards, and the National Center for Transport Safety.
Addressing regional challenges and securing straits
The Saudi delegation explained that this participation is of paramount importance given the current geopolitical challenges and changes in the region. In this context, developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital waterways for energy supplies, stand out. The Kingdom emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and international laws and regulations guarantee the right of safe passage through it, warning against any negative impacts on maritime navigation and international trade. It also stressed the importance of integrated international efforts to ensure the smooth flow of maritime transport and the sustainability of supply chains, which will positively impact the stability of global markets.
Proactive initiatives within Vision 2030
In line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy stemming from Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom reviewed a package of proactive measures and initiatives undertaken by its maritime and logistics sector. These measures aim to ensure the continuity of operations with high efficiency, most notably activating alternative routes, enhancing transit services, and maintaining uninterrupted bookings from international shipping lines.
These concerted efforts have resulted in the launch of more than 19 new services and shipping lines to enhance maritime connectivity between Saudi ports and their global counterparts. Furthermore, over 40 workshops and coordination meetings have been conducted with partners from the public and private sectors to address obstacles, facilitate the movement of goods and containers, and promote regional and international logistical integration.
Supporting international resolutions and protecting seafarers
On the international cooperation front, the Kingdom expressed its pride in sponsoring the proposed resolution of the Maritime Safety Committee and welcomed its adoption. It emphasized the importance of the resolution's provisions, which directly contribute to addressing threats to maritime safety and the well-being of seafarers, and called upon the Committee to take all necessary measures within its mandate. The Kingdom also reiterated its firm support for the resolutions of the International Maritime Organization's Extraordinary Council, which strongly condemn all attacks that threaten the security of global trade. The Kingdom affirms its continued commitment to working closely with the international maritime community under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, contributing to the stability of global trade and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the maritime sector for future generations.
