Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The largest seaport in the strategically located Red Sea area is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah is the second largest city in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it is the main commercial hub for the country. Jeddah has long held historical importance in the region as it functioned not only as a major seaport, but also as a major trading hub between Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The early beginnings of the city show that the Red Sea has always held major importance in its development. Over 2000 years ago, the city was founded as a fishing village by the Yemeni Quada tribe. In the 1970’s the modern day port was established and international shipping services to Jeddah become more readily available.

The original port established in the 1970’s had 10 berths; today the port has over 50 berths and receives cargo from all over the world. Today, the port of Jeddah is capable of handling container, bulk and international car shipping services. The modern facilities available in the port in Jeddah have proven essential in handling the increase in international trade into the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2012 overseas car shipping into Saudi Arabia increased by over 30% with most car shipments coming from the United States.

Some notable features for the port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:

  • Jeddah is the 36th busiest port in the world.
  • A large coral reef runs parallel to the coastline of Jeddah, this coral reef has caused damage to several vessels over the years and some shipwrecks are still visible years later. A gap in the coral reef allows vessels to enter the coastline.
  • There are over 50 terminals in the port of Jeddah including: container terminals, bulk grain terminals, live stock terminals, passenger terminal, frozen cargo terminal and a ro/ro cargo terminal for overseas car shipping services.
  • 59% of all imports into Saudi Arabia are handled through the port of Jeddah.
  • One of the largest current port projects is the building of a land bridge railway route linking the capital city of Riyadh with Jeddah. The project would facilitate the ease of international shipping services between the port of Jeddah and Riyadh.

For more information about the port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and international shipping services to Saudi Arabia, visit the Saudi Arabia Port Authority Website. Visit our rate request page to receive an international car, high heavy, construction equipment and container shipping quote or to receive more information on our international shipping services.