Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Day 2Thursday, 2 October 2025 - AT (Arabian Time, GMT+03:00)

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its maritime logistics sector as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to become a leading global logistics hub. Backed by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the Kingdom is expanding the capacity and capabilities of its ports, modernizing infrastructure, and integrating smart technologies. Flagship projects such as the upgrades at Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port, and the rise of King Abdullah Port reflect this shift, while new developments like Oxagon Port in NEOM signal the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in next-generation logistics. Through increased private-sector participation, strategic partnerships with global operators, and the rollout of digital platforms under the Smart Ports Initiative, Saudi Arabia is building a more efficient, connected, and sustainable maritime sector.

This session will explore how the Kingdom is leveraging its geographic advantage, regulatory reforms, and major investments to redefine its role in global trade and establish itself as a regional logistics powerhouse.

In Saudi Arabia, the Smart Ports Initiative, led by Mawani, is deploying AI, IoT, and blockchain to streamline port operations, reduce turnaround times, and enhance data-driven decision-making. Platforms such as FASAH and new Port Community Systems are enabling seamless integration between customs, terminal operators, and shipping lines—transforming how goods move through the Kingdom’s gateways. Major ports like Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port, and King Abdullah Port are increasingly adopting automated systems for terminal operations, vessel scheduling, and cargo tracking. Real-time visibility and smart infrastructure are now key differentiators, with private-sector operators like DP World and Hutchison Ports investing heavily in digital capabilities. Across the GCC, the UAE’s Maqta Gateway and CARGOES platforms are setting regional benchmarks for integrated port ecosystems.

As digital infrastructure expands, attention is turning to cybersecurity, data governance, and emerging technologies. AI and predictive analytics are being used to anticipate congestion and optimize logistics flows, while blockchain pilots are underway to secure trade documentation and customs processing. These innovations are crucial to building a resilient, transparent, and efficient maritime logistics sector. This session will explore how Saudi Arabia, and its regional peers are leveraging digital tools to modernize maritime logistics, the challenges they face in scaling these efforts, and what the future holds for smart trade in the GCC.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for shipbuilding and repair, fuelled by growing maritime trade, offshore energy activities, and ambitious infrastructure development. This session will examine the current state and future potential of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry across the GCC, highlighting key drivers, challenges, and innovations shaping its growth.
Industry leaders, shipyard operators, and government stakeholders will explore regional capacity building, technology integration, workforce development, and cross-border collaboration. The session will also spotlight major projects and investments—such as those in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—that are positioning the region as a centre of excellence in maritime engineering and maintenance services.

As Saudi Arabia expands its maritime footprint under Vision 2030—driven by megaprojects, increased port activity, and strategic shipping routes through the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf—ensuring maritime security has become more critical than ever. This session will focus on the Kingdom’s growing exposure to GPS spoofing threats and broader maritime security risks that could disrupt trade, offshore infrastructure, and national security.
Bringing together experts from the Saudi government, maritime authorities, cybersecurity specialists, and global security partners, the session will explore recent incidents of navigation interference in regional waters and examine the vulnerabilities of modern vessel systems. It will also highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to bolster maritime situational awareness through investment in advanced surveillance, cyber defense, and satellite-based navigation integrity.
This session offers valuable insights into how Saudi Arabia can lead in shaping a secure maritime environment—by strengthening regulatory frameworks, advancing international cooperation, and leveraging innovative technologies to protect its critical maritime assets and global trade corridors.

To finalise this tour de force of our sector-by-sector analysis of the Maritime Industry in Saudi and the GCC, we look at shipmanagement. Ship managers in 2025 are under intense pressure to adapt to a fast-evolving landscape marked by environmental mandates, technological transformation, workforce challenges, and rising expectations from charterers, regulators, and investors alike.

In this session we discuss:

1. Regulatory Compliance & Decarbonisation Pressure

2. Crew Shortages & Welfare

3. Digital Integration & Cybersecurity Risks

4. Rising Operating Costs & Efficiency Pressure

5. Talent & Skills Gap in Onshore Teams

In this session, the audience will yet again be transported into the world of parliamentary style debate. “This house believes that AI will lead to less, not more competency in shipping.”

The audience, naturally divided on opinion, will here from a series of speakers who will try to convince them that they should be for or against the motion. There will be three speakers on each side of the argument, each with a strict seven-minute window to convince the audience. At the end, the audience will vote to see which side of the argument has the majority.