Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Day 2 - AT (Arabian Time, GMT+03:00)
- Eithne Treanor - Managing Director,, E. Treanor Media
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.
- Eithne Treanor - Managing Director,, E. Treanor Media
- Akshay Anand - General Manager & Member of The Board of Directors, ABSA Al Barrak Group
- Tarek Dajani - CEO, Jordan National Shipping Lines Co PLC
- Khurram Ali - Partner Middle East, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP
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.
- Eithne Treanor - Managing Director,, E. Treanor Media
- Mohammad Ali Shahrouri - Country Director Saudi Arabia & Bahrain, BDP International Logistic Services Co.
- Makhlouf Benzahia - Managing Director, S.A. Talke
As maritime and logistics industries accelerate digital transformation—from smart ports to autonomous vessels—cybersecurity has become a critical operational priority. Recent ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and supply chain breaches have exposed vulnerabilities across the ecosystem, threatening port operations, fleet movements, and global trade continuity.
Through expert insights and collaborative, scenario-based risk exercises, we will examine how digital threats are evolving and what your organisation can do right now to stay ahead.
This session brings a series of story-led fireside conversations; each one grounded in the personal experience of maritime professionals navigating change at sea and ashore. Through personal reflections and frontline perspectives, we will explore how technical roles are evolving, which capabilities are rising to the forefront, and why human judgment continues to anchor safe, resilient operations.
We will then shift into a live poll, inviting the audience to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead, touching on automation, skills development, and career progression.
The session will conclude with fresh insight and a stronger sense of where the industry is heading and how we can contribute to driving that change.
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.
- Eithne Treanor - Managing Director,, E. Treanor Media
- Vanessa Welch - Managing Director, V3
- Rania Tadros - Managing Partner of Stephenson Harwood Dubai/ President, WISTA UAE
- Ali Shehab - Director of Special Projects, DNV
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:
Regulatory Compliance & Decarbonisation Pressure
Crew Shortages & Welfare
Digital Integration & Cybersecurity Risks
Rising Operating Costs & Efficiency Pressure
Talent & Skills Gap in Onshore Teams
- Eithne Treanor - Managing Director,, E. Treanor Media
- Ben Bailey - Director of Advocacy & Regional Engagement, Mission to Seafarers
Aviation, automotive, and smart manufacturing are leading the way in AI, blockchain, automation, and digital twins, but why has adoption been slower in maritime operations? This session tackles the real barriers that prevent maritime businesses from fully leveraging cross-industry innovation, covering:
- Tech adoption vs. industry readiness – Why disruptive technologies succeed in some sectors?
- Talent gaps & cross-industry collaboration – Is maritime looking in the right places for digital expertise?
- Regulatory & scalability challenges – How other industries overcome hurdles that maritime logistics still faces.
Participants will gain first-hand insights into how other sectors overcame adoption barriers, with discussions focused on real-world applications, lessons learned, and actionable strategies for the maritime industry.