The Saudi Maritime Congress, now in its 4th edition, is all set to convene in Dammam from 20-21 September 2023. This prestigious event aims to shine a global spotlight on the vast potential and promising opportunities in the ever-expanding maritime logistics sector. With the Saudi government’s ambitious Vision2030 plan to develop domestic ports and logistics, the Kingdom is positioning itself to become the leading regional logistics hub.
The comprehensive conference program of the Saudi Maritime Congress will center around Vision2030, a transformative roadmap that outlines the Kingdom’s ambitious goals for various sectors, including maritime and logistics. In line with this vision, Saudi Arabia is making significant strides to boost its maritime logistics, which has emerged as a crucial non-oil source of growth.
The Kingdom aims to significantly increase its annual container throughput, with a target of handling 40 million TEU by the year 2030. To achieve this, Saudi Arabia plans to construct inland logistics hubs and enhance rail connectivity, which will further strengthen the maritime industry and drive port revenue.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision2030 is evident in grand-scale projects like the $500 billion Neom scheme and the awe-inspiring Oxagon port, which is being touted as the largest floating structure in the world. These ambitious endeavors perfectly align with the Kingdom’s long-term vision, propelling it towards becoming a regional maritime powerhouse.
The Saudi Maritime Congress has earned a reputation as a highly successful event, drawing attention from across the globe. In its 2022 edition, the event witnessed participation from 3,757 international visitors, including influential maritime executives and leading marine equipment and service providers. With such resounding success, the 2023 edition is poised to take the maritime industry to new heights.
To underscore the significance of the Congress, prominent figures from the maritime industry have already signed up to deliver industry and keynote addresses. These esteemed speakers include Nancy W. Karigithu, Principal Secretary State Department for Shipping and Maritime in Kenya; Erik Jensby, Head of Business Development and Membership at BIMCO; and John McDonald, EVP and COO of ABS. Their insights and expertise are expected to offer valuable perspectives on the future of the maritime landscape in the Kingdom.
Throughout the two-day event, over 30 speakers will participate in panel sessions, delving into a diverse range of topics such as ship management, maritime education, ESG (environmental, social, and governance), mega strategies for the Kingdom’s maritime industry, container shipping, tanker freight market updates, offshore operations, and maritime logistics.
The Saudi Maritime Congress will also feature a dynamic exhibition where esteemed companies like MAWANI, IMI, Transport Global Authority, Saudi Global Ports Co, Grandweld, Naghi Marine Company, DP World Middle East, ASRY, and others will showcase their cutting-edge products and services.
The Saudi Maritime Congress 2023 promises to be an unprecedented event that celebrates the growth and potential of the Kingdom’s maritime industry. With its strategic focus on Vision2030 and the goal of becoming a regional logistics hub, Saudi Arabia is charting a course towards a thriving and prosperous maritime future. Industry leaders, key stakeholders, and participants from around the world eagerly await the congress, which is set to redefine the maritime landscape in the Kingdom.
