Saudi Arabia has recorded one of the fastest expansions in maritime transport capacity among major economies, with its national fleet achieving a 32 per cent increase in tonnage during 2025, securing the second-highest growth rate across the Group of Twenty. The performance underscores the Kingdom’s accelerating push to position itself as a pivotal logistics and shipping hub linking Asia, Europe and Africa.Data compiled from maritime authorities and international shipping benchmarks show the growth represents a sharp acceleration from the pace seen a year earlier, when fleet expansion stood at 6.4 per cent. Officials attribute the jump to a combination of regulatory reforms, fleet modernisation, rising private investment and a broader national strategy aimed at diversifying economic activity beyond hydrocarbons.
The surge in tonnage reflects both the addition of new vessels and the reflagging of ships under the Saudi registry, a trend encouraged by incentives designed to make the national flag more competitive. Maritime analysts say the scale of the increase places the Kingdom ahead of most G20 peers, many of which are grappling with slower trade growth, tighter financing conditions and ageing fleets.
Saudi authorities have prioritised shipping and logistics as core pillars of economic transformation plans, with maritime transport seen as essential to supporting non-oil exports, industrial zones and large-scale infrastructure developments along the Red Sea and the Gulf. Regulatory updates have streamlined vessel registration, strengthened safety and environmental standards, and aligned domestic rules more closely with international maritime conventions.
Investment has also played a decisive role. State-backed funds and private operators have channelled capital into newbuild orders, charter arrangements and port-linked services, while shipowners have been encouraged to base more operations domestically. The expansion of the fleet has been accompanied by parallel upgrades at ports, including deeper berths, advanced cargo-handling systems and digital platforms to reduce turnaround times.
Industry executives note that the Kingdom’s geographic position offers a natural advantage. Situated astride major east–west shipping lanes, Saudi ports are increasingly marketed as efficient alternatives for transhipment and regional distribution. The growth in fleet tonnage supports this ambition by increasing the availability of nationally controlled vessels to serve trade flows tied to domestic manufacturing, mining and energy exports.
The maritime push is also closely linked to employment and skills development. Authorities have rolled out programmes to train seafarers, maritime engineers and logistics specialists, aiming to ensure that fleet growth translates into sustainable job creation. Officials say strengthening local expertise is essential to reducing reliance on foreign labour and embedding long-term capabilities within the sector.
Environmental considerations have featured prominently in fleet expansion plans. Newer vessels entering the Saudi registry are typically more fuel-efficient and compliant with tighter emissions rules, helping operators meet global standards while lowering operating costs. Some shipping companies have begun exploring alternative fuels and hybrid technologies, aligning maritime growth with broader climate and sustainability objectives.
Comparisons with other G20 nations highlight the distinctiveness of the Kingdom’s performance. While several advanced economies maintain larger absolute fleets, their growth rates have been modest, reflecting mature markets and slower replacement cycles. By contrast, Saudi Arabia’s rapid percentage increase signals a catch-up phase combined with strategic intent to scale quickly.
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