Saudi Arabia launches Bahrain shipping link as Gulf routes face war turmoil

RIYADH, Mar 25 (Arab News): Saudi Ports Authority has launched a new maritime link with Bahrain via MSC's Gulf Shuttle service, as regional shipping routes come under strain from escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
The service connects King Abdulaziz Port with Khalifa Bin Salman Port, offering capacity of up to 3,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, said in a statement.
Maritime traffic across the Gulf is facing major disruption, with the Strait of Hormuz - a chokepoint handling about one-fifth of global oil flows - effectively constrained amid the ongoing conflict.
This new link is part of broader efforts by the Kingdom to bolster regional shipping ties, enhance maritime connectivity, and expand logistics networks, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Daipayan Adhikari, head of strategic projects and logistics solutions at United Warehouse Co. Limited, told Arab News the new route reflects a growing focus on regional connectivity, and said: "This new maritime connection between King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Bahrain is an important step toward strengthening regional supply chain resilience."
He added: "Short-sea shuttle services like MSC's Gulf Shuttle can significantly reduce transit time, congestion at land borders, and overall logistics costs for GCC trade."
Adhikari noted that from a logistics perspective, these feeder connections create faster cargo circulation within the region and provide alternative routing options during periods of geopolitical or operational disruption.
"With growing infrastructure at Saudi ports and strong integration with road networks, the Kingdom is increasingly positioning itself as a central logistics gateway connecting the GCC, Asia, Africa, and Europe," he added.
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is one of the Kingdom's key gateways to global trade, featuring 43 berths and a handling capacity of up to 105 million tonnes of cargo and containers.
The service is expected to enhance the competitive advantage of King Abdulaziz Port, improve operational efficiency, and support national exports in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The move builds on a series of recent initiatives by Mawani aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience in the region.
Earlier this week, the authority added five new shipping services with major global carriers, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, with a combined capacity of 63,594 TEUs, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact global trade flows.
Those measures followed the introduction of integrated maritime support services across Eastern Region ports, including bunkering, crew changes and the provision of essential supplies, aimed at minimizing delays and sustaining vessel operations.
Separately, Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority has temporarily waived documentation requirements for issuing and renewing marine navigation licenses and work permits for 30 days, with possible extensions.
Nick Bartlett, co-founder of Dubai-based logistics firm Wayfindr, said the new service points to a broader strategic vision beyond bilateral trade. "You don't build dedicated maritime infrastructure with a neighbour that close unless you're thinking about something much bigger than a bilateral shipping route," he told Arab News.
Bartlett added that the timing reflects both long-term planning and recent geopolitical pressures.
"This wasn't even a standalone announcement - Saudi Arabia launched five services at the same time with major global carriers. The crisis didn't create the plan, it just accelerated it," he said, noting that the Kingdom's existing port infrastructure has enabled it to scale up operations quickly.