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

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the maritime industry is emerging as a cornerstone for economic diversification, regional connectivity, and global trade competitiveness. This session will bring together some of leaders of the pillars of the maritime sector in the KSA and an international staple of the industry, focusing on both near to medium term factors like influence of ongoing geopolitical situation on global trade and longer-term systemic shifts to align with upcoming regulatory requirements. Our esteemed audience will gain insights into challenges related to fuel of the future, impact of limited shipyard/scrapyard global capacity on fleet renewals, decarbonization efforts, and the role of education and workforce development in building a resilient maritime ecosystem, themes which we will develop further in the course of this two-days conference agenda. This session is essential for policymakers, investors, and industry leaders looking to understand and participate in the next wave of growth in Saudi Arabia’s maritime domain.

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

In this session we hear from one of the market leaders in the offshore industry key insights into regional development and its impact and alignment with international trade, as well as what is on the horizon and in our blindspot.

Saudi Arabia is advancing its offshore oil infrastructure through strategic projects led by Saudi Aramco. The Marjan field expansion, set for completion in 2025, stands as a flagship development featuring new production platforms and extensive subsea pipeline networks connecting to the Tanajib processing facilities. This expansion has catalyzed significant growth in the regional Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) market, with Saudi operators expanding their fleets to meet rising demand. Aramco is simultaneously enhancing its offshore transportation capabilities with substantial investments in pipeline infrastructure, including multiple large-diameter pipelines extending over 120 kilometers to link offshore production zones with onshore processing facilities.

These offshore oil initiatives align with the Kingdom's broader vision to optimize production capacity and maintain its position as a global oil supply leader. The infrastructure enhancements significantly improve Saudi Arabia's offshore oil production efficiency while strengthening regional energy security. The growing complexity of these offshore operations has transformed the GCC's OSV market, with increasing demand for specialized vessels including platform supply vessels, anchor handlers, and maintenance support craft. These developments represent a substantial upgrade to the Kingdom's offshore oil transportation infrastructure, positioning Saudi Arabia to meet both domestic energy requirements and international market demands through 2030 and beyond.

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

• Update on Infrastructure and Transportation Modalities, including the evolving role of OSVs in supporting Saudi and wider GCC offshore operations
• Safety, Reliability & Environmental Considerations in offshore vessel operations across the region
• Regional Collaboration & Technology Integration, with focus on OSV fleet modernization and specialized vessel requirements
• Regulatory and Investment Landscape shaping the Saudi and GCC OSV market growth and operational standards

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