Jeddah Islamic Port

TL;DR: Saudi Arabia's largest port and the Red Sea gateway — the natural entry point for western-region cargo, though Red Sea security disruptions since 2023 have added schedule and cost volatility.

Key specifications

Throughput and draft figures are indicative and change year to year. Confirm current figures with the port authority before relying on them.

Hinterland

Western Saudi Arabia — Jeddah city, the Makkah and Madinah regions, and the western consumer market.

What most guides skip

Jeddah's location on the Red Sea made it the historic China-to-Saudi gateway, but the Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since late 2023 forced many carriers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope — inflating transit times and spot rates, and pushing some Gulf volume toward Dammam on the Arabian Gulf side. When quoting Jeddah, ask the carrier whether the sailing transits the Red Sea or the Cape.

Key takeaways

1. Saudi Arabia's largest port and the Red Sea entry for western-region cargo.
2. Red Sea security disruptions since 2023 add transit-time and rate volatility.
3. ≈4.9m TEU throughput; the benchmark for Saudi container imports.
4. Confirm Red Sea vs Cape routing before committing to a schedule.

Port facts are indicative and change over time. Always confirm current operational details with the relevant port authority before making commercial decisions.