Maersk adds three Saudi routes, boosts cold chain capacity for perishable imports
This development makes Saudi Arabia an attractive market for fresh fruit producers seeking to diversify beyond traditional markets.
SAUDI ARABIA – Maersk has added three new maritime services to Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port, connecting the kingdom with Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, and Salalah in Oman, with a total capacity of up to 14,400 TEUs.
For fresh produce exporters and food logistics investors, this expansion directly addresses Saudi Arabia’s high dependency on food imports, which account for approximately 70% of its food security needs, valued at over US$20 billion annually.
Why Cold Chain Connectivity Matters
With this more frequent service, improved regional connections, and greater port integration, logistics chains for temperature-sensitive cargo will be more stable. For products such as fresh fruit, where conditions on arrival determine commercial value, reliable cold chain logistics directly impact profitability.
Jeddah Islamic Port is not only one of the country’s main maritime hubs but is also expanding its logistics infrastructure. The port features 62 multipurpose berths, two container terminals, and a handling capacity of up to 130 million tonnes.
Integrated Logistics Park: A Game Changer for Perishables
In 2023, Maersk and Mawani launched the country’s largest integrated logistics park in Jeddah, a 225,000-square-metre facility that includes infrastructure for storage, distribution, and the cold chain.
For fruit exporters, this investment signals that the Saudi network is actively strengthening its handling of high-value and highly sensitive goods, including fresh produce.
According to the USDA’s Exporter Guide Annual, Saudi consumers are increasingly demanding healthier, higher-quality food, and retail channels are well-equipped to handle fresh and frozen products.
Additionally, with a population of 33 million, Saudi Arabia’s spending on food retail and foodservice continues to grow, as consumers increasingly prefer healthy, natural, and higher-quality products.
Outlook for Fresh Produce Exporters
This development makes Saudi Arabia an attractive market for fresh fruit producers seeking to diversify beyond traditional markets.
As a result, the expansion of retail, food service, and tourism continues to drive demand for imported food. Therefore, for exporters of avocados, citrus, berries, and tropical fruits, Maersk’s enhanced network offers more frequent sailing schedules, reduced transit times, and improved cold chain integrity upon arrival.
As the kingdom invests further in logistics infrastructure, the Red Sea gateway is positioning itself as a vital corridor for perishable trade between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
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