Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced that Jeddah Islamic Port has strengthened its position as a key hub for the AE15 and AE19 services of Gemini Co-operation, comprising Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

The two services have been updated to transit the Bab Al Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal, strengthening direct maritime links between Saudi Arabia and major markets in Asia and Europe, said a statement from Mawani.

Under the revised rotation, the AE19 service will call at Jeddah Islamic Port twice - once on its westbound voyage from Asia towards the Mediterranean and again on its return voyage southward. The arrangement is intended to provide greater flexibility for cargo flows to and from Saudi Arabia.

The AE19 service connects Jeddah Islamic Port with Shanghai, Qingdao, and Ningbo in China, Busan in Korea, and Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia. The route also includes the Suez Canal, Port Said in Egypt, Tangier in Morocco, and Singapore.

According to Mawani, the selection of Jeddah Islamic Port as a key hub for the two services builds on its strategic location on the Red Sea, advanced operational capabilities, and infrastructure.

These advantages enhance its appeal to global shipping lines and support its role as a major maritime gateway for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along one of the world's most important trade routes.

The AE15 service connects Jeddah Islamic Port with Qingdao and Ningbo in China, Gwangyang in Korea, and Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia. The route also includes the Suez Canal, Port Said and Damietta in Egypt, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Singapore, it stated.

The update shortens the full operating rotation by approximately two weeks, from 16 weeks to 14 weeks, while maintaining regular weekly sailings. This will improve fleet efficiency and enhance the efficiency of services provided to importers and exporters.

The development underscores Jeddah Islamic Port's growing position as a key hub connecting the Kingdom with global markets.

It also highlights its role in supporting supply chain continuity and enhancing the competitiveness of the ports and logistics services sector. This contributes to consolidating the kingdom's position as a global logistics hub in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.-TradeArabia News Service