Saudi Marine and Logistics Congress Outcomes

The fifth instalment of the Saudi Marine and Logistics Congress, held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services concluded its two-day event in Dammam on the 19th of September 2024. The conference featured the participation of 15 Saudi entities, including the Transport General Authority (TGA), Bahri, Saudi Aramco, and MAWANI, the event attracted over 10,000 visitors, 200 exhibitors, and 60 leading figures in maritime transport and logistics. The Congress saw the signing of several Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) resulting in strategic agreements aimed to strengthen partnerships. It also featured engaging panels and discussions into the issues facing the maritime industry. Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering cooperation and communication to facilitate sectoral development, and the Congress marked a significant step toward supporting positive growth in the maritime industry. These efforts align with the Kingdoms work within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to build collaborative solutions to the issues faced by the maritime industry and position itself as a leader within the organization. 

H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services provided the keynote address and including remarks from H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Acting President of the Transport General Authority, who stated,  

"Our real strength comes from the skilled seafarers and national workforce, driving us towards a more sustainable and efficient maritime industry." 

H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih also outlined the National Transport Logistics Strategy (NTLS) which has created opportunities to benefit from the environmental and natural components of Saudi Arabia, and some of the other pioneering and innovative methods and practices the country is implementing to build a sustainable green maritime future. The Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, provided a remote address outlining The important role played by the IMO and other member states.Eng. Essam Al Ammari, Deputy for Maritime Transport, expressed the role of the conference in supporting innovation towards Vision 2030. The speeches were followed by a series of strategic industry announcements and the presentation of the Seatrade Maritime Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Of the strategic MoUs signed at the Congress, the first introduced was between the Transport General Authority and the Eastern Province Municipality,  which will focus on enhancing the costal transport sector. TGA also signed an MoU with THE RIG, a new adventure tourist destination on the coastline. While Saudi Folk Maritime and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) ME marked a new era of cooperation that will see the ICS ME become the knowledge and training partner of Folk Maritime, focused on training Saudi nationals, building the talent pool and providing essential specialized marine training.  

At the Congress, notable topics were highlighted during the panels, including the emphasis on sustainability and how the sector will adapt to decarbonisation while also considering new technologies. On the topic of safety, the Congress introduced ‘Maritime Think Tank’ a concept that brings together stakeholders to explore insights that shipowners and operators should prioritise in the coming years. Regarding safety, the introduction of the ‘Maritime Think Tank’ provided valuable insights for shipowners and operators to focus on in the upcoming years. Mr. Fazel Fazelbhoy, CEO of Synergy Offshore, addressed the importance of digital security and shared best practices for cybersecurity and offshore operations. Furthermore, Capt. Turki Al Shehri, Managing Director of the National Maritime Academy, discussed workforce development for seafarers, emphasizing the need to expand education, enhance recruitment, and improve retention strategies. 

The Saudi Marine and Logistics Congress highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing its maritime sector in line with Vision 2030. The event fostered crucial discussions and partnerships aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, while showcasing Saudi Arabia's leadership in sustainable and innovative maritime practices. With the signing of several MoUs and the introduction of forward-thinking initiatives such as the Maritime Think Tank, the Congress demonstrated the country's dedication to building a resilient, green maritime future.