Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Day 1Wednesday, 1 October 2025 - AT (Arabian Time, GMT+03:00)

Shipping is an industry increasingly under pressure to withstand and adapt to rapidly changing realities. Key chokepoints like the Suez and Panama Canals are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, conflicts and climate change. These disruptions are extending shipping routes, straining supply chains and raising costs, with profound impacts on food security, energy supplies and the global economy, as over 80% of world trade volume is carried by sea.

What we have is the picture of the most dynamic and complex landscape for trade and global shipping industry.

We ask our panel to give their thoughts on five major issues, to set the scene for our two-day agenda:

1. Global Supply Chain Disruptions

2. Decarbonisation & Regulatory Pressure

3. Digitalization & Cybersecurity

4. Safety and Strategic Vulnerabilities

5. Opportunities in the GCC and in the Kingdom, specifically

Saudi Arabia and the GCC are actively scaling up offshore gas transportation with several major projects under way. In Saudi Arabia, Aramco is expanding its offshore Hasbah field, installing multiple pipelines (36″, over 120 km) to route gas to the Fadhili onshore processing plant. Meanwhile, the Marjan field expansion, nearing completion in 2025, includes new platforms and subsea pipelines feeding the Tanajib gas and NGL plant. Domestically, the Master Gas System Expansion (MGSE) is underway to enhance onshore pipeline networks which will support growing offshore output. In the wider GCC, Qatar’s Dolphin Gas Project continues to ferry ~2 billion cf/day from the North Field via a 48″ subsea pipeline to UAE and Oman, and is now running at about two-thirds capacity amid price renegotiations. New LNG capacity is coming online too, with QatarEnergy expanding North Field LNG output to 126 mtpa by 2027, boosting the demand for offshore supply. Meanwhile, the UAE is accelerating offshore gas developments like Hail, Dalma, and Ghasha to reduce reliance on Qatari imports by 2030. These combined efforts mark a significant upgrade in offshore gas transport infrastructure, enhancing supply security and enabling export flexibility across the region.

In this key discussion we ask our panellists to share their thoughts on:

1. Update on Infrastructure and Transportation Modalities
2. Safety, Reliability & Environmental Considerations
3. Regional Collaboration & Technology Integration
4. Regulatory and Investment Landscape

Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its port infrastructure as a core pillar of Vision 2030, aiming to become a global logistics hub. Major projects like the expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port, upgrades at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and the development of Oxagon Port in NEOM highlight the Kingdom’s focus on increasing capacity, efficiency, and technological integration. These initiatives support broader goals of economic diversification, supply chain resilience, and enhanced global trade connectivity.

Across the GCC, countries are making parallel investments to modernize ports and strengthen their positions in global maritime logistics. From the UAE’s Jebel Ali Port to Qatar’s Hamad Port and Oman’s Duqm, the region is building a highly connected and competitive port ecosystem. This session will examine how Saudi Arabia, and its neighbours are leveraging infrastructure, innovation, and strategic partnerships to lead the next wave of port development in the global South.

This session will explore Saudi Arabia’s strategic leadership in driving the marine fuel transition across the GCC, highlighting its integration of clean energy goals under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, as reflected by key initiatives like the development of LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen bunkering infrastructure at major ports like Jeddah, Jubail, and NEOM’s Oxagon; Aramco’s role in scaling low-carbon fuel production; and pilot projects in fleet decarbonization by national carriers like Bahri. We will also examine regulatory progress, cross-GCC collaboration, and international partnerships aimed at aligning the Kingdom’s maritime sector with IMO emissions targets and the broader global push toward a low-carbon shipping future.

We consider:

• Fuel readiness: LNG, ammonia, hydrogen, biofuels – what’s viable today vs future

• Port infrastructure transformation and bunkering readiness

• Investment and public-private partnerships

• Policy alignment with IMO 2050 and regional frameworks

• Innovation and digitalization to support decarbonization

• Cross-border collaboration among GCC countries

As Saudi Arabia advances its maritime and logistics ambitions under Vision 2030, building a skilled, future-ready workforce has become essential. While institutions like the National Maritime Academy and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology have expanded training capacity, the sector still faces significant hurdles. A widening skills gap persists between industry demand and the availability of qualified Saudi professionals, particularly in technical and operational roles.

Limited access to specialized maritime programs, the need for stronger international accreditation, and low awareness of career pathways—especially among youth—pose additional barriers to workforce development. This session will explore how Saudi Arabia can strengthen its maritime education ecosystem, align training with global standards, and foster a new generation of local talent equipped to power the Kingdom’s growing role in global maritime trade and how can technology help.