Maersk adds three Saudi routes, boosts cold chain capacity for perishable imports

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, ...