Saudi Arabia strengthens corridor through the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia has launched a new freight service called the Red Sea Express, between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, as reported recently by the news agency ‚Africa Business Insider‘ (ABI). The connection aims to strengthen trade routes between the Middle East, Africa and Europe and circumnavigating the Strait of Hormuz.

The service connects the port of Yanbu in Saudi Arabia with Ain Sokhna in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan. Partners in the project include the shipping line Folk Maritime and the petrochemical company Sabic. The route is part of the planned ‚Red-to-Med‘ corridor, which also includes a new railway line.

According to the Saudi port authority Mawani, transport times are expected to be reduced, costs lowered and supply chains stabilised. The ships deployed have capacities of approximately 1,100 teu. At the same time, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its non-oil exports and promote economic diversification as part of the national ‚Vision 2030‘.

The connection is seen as an alternative to traditional routes through the Persian Gulf and is intended to facilitate trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa.