The importance of shipping companies in the Kingdom has grown alongside economic growth and the expansion of productive sectors. Shipping is no longer merely a support service but has become a key player contributing to business sustainability and market integration, as shipping operations serve as the link between supply and demand.
In today’s article, we’ll take a look at the leading shipping companies in Saudi Arabia, the sector’s impact on the Saudi economy, and how Azeer can help your shipping company. Let’s get started.
The Size and Growth of the Saudi Shipping Sector
The shipping sector in the Kingdom has benefited from the support of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) to achieve significant growth in 2024, in line with the Kingdom’s vision to strengthen the state’s resources from the non-oil sector. The number of logistics licenses issued reached 1,056, the number of re-export centers reached 23, and port utilization reached 64%, while the customs clearance time was reduced to just two hours. This is according to figures and statistics from Arab News.
, which were published Mordor Intelligence Statistics indicate that the Saudi shipping sector is estimated to be worth approximately $25.51 billion in 2024, with projections that it will reach $32.75 billion by 2029, thereby achieving a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.13%.
The Best Shipping Companies in Saudi Arabia
Many Saudi shipping companies have successfully built a strong reputation in this sector over the past few years, while some foreign shipping companies have also seized the opportunity to compete and win over customers in the Kingdom. Below, we will take a look at the leading shipping companies that have succeeded in the Saudi market.
Bahri
, whose full name is “Saudi National Shipping Company” and is known as “Bahri,” has solidified its position among shipping companies as the oldest in the Kingdom. Founded in 1978 by royal decree, it has successfully maintained its standing to become one of the world’s leading shipping companies. Today, it is a joint-stock company in which major entities such as the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the General Organization for Social Insurance invest.
The company “Bahri” has the capacity to transport crude oil, chemicals, and cargo—even oversized shipments—as well as vehicles and equipment, and to manage an entire fleet of cargo ships. In addition to its headquarters in Riyadh, the company has branches in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India.
Saudi Post “SPL”
As the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics seeks to make the Kingdom a global hub for shipping, it developed a new brand identity for Saudi Post in 2021, which included the new name “SPL” introduced to customers. With more than 450 branches covering all parts of the Kingdom, “SPL” has earned its place on the list of the best shipping companies, as this extensive network has enabled it to provide domestic and international postal services, shipping and delivery services, e-commerce support, and the innovative National Address.
. “SPL”’s services are not limited to domestic shipping; they have expanded to include international mail, reaching 200 countries worldwide, and the company has successfully built a solid reputation for all types of deliveries. What has helped “SPL” expand is its support for various payment solutions such as Cash on Delivery and electronic payments.
Aramex
was the first Arab shipping company to be listed on the U.S. Nasdaq Stock Exchange in 1997, marking one of the most significant milestones in the success story of the shipping company Aramex, which was founded in Jordan in 1982. Over the years, the company has successfully established a presence in many countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, where it offers fast domestic shipping between cities, with delivery times ranging from one to three days, along with cash-on-delivery options and digital payment.
Aramex is one of the leading partners for e-commerce stores in the Kingdom, providing them with warehousing, order management, and, of course, delivery services to customers. Whether through its website or mobile app, it makes it easy for customers to create shipments, track them, check delivery rates, and reschedule them for later dates. It also offers international shipping and customs clearance services.
DHL
The renowned American shipping company ranks among the best shipping companies in Saudi Arabia after successfully DHL in building a strong reputation within the Kingdom, thanks to its delivery centers covering all parts of Saudi Arabia, as well as its branches and warehouses, which enable it to manage its operations and assist its customers in shipping their products both within and outside the Kingdom.
DHL is renowned for its fast delivery, even for international shipments, with delivery times never exceeding three days. It offers personalized services for individuals to deliver gifts, packages, and important documents. It helps online stores deliver their products to customers, whether the store is large-scale or even small Dropshipping.
Naqel Express
Naqel Express is not limited to being just a shipping company; it positions itself as a full-service solutions provider for online stores in the Kingdom. Its services extend even to villages within Saudi Arabia, not just cities, and in addition to businesses and stores, it targets Naqel Express ordinary customers, such as individuals who want to ship a package from one region of the Kingdom to another.
Although “Naqel” is partially owned by Saudi Post and the company “Hala Supply Chain Services“However, the company, which places great emphasis on improving the user experience, presents itself as an entity with a completely independent identity.
Conclusion
To help shipping companies in the Kingdom connect with their customers, manage their operations seamlessly, and serve their customers in a modern way, Azeer has provided WhatsApp API services, through which shipping companies can connect their teams, launch marketing campaigns, and use an advanced chatbot to serve their customers. Schedule your free consultation with the Azeer team to learn more about the WhatsApp API for your shipping company.
And because shipping companies may need call center services—we haven’t overlooked offering it in its most advanced form: the cloud-based call center, through which you’ll be able to utilize an automated response service to resolve your customers’ issues even during peak times. Through call evaluations, you’ll gain insight into your customers’ impressions of your team’s services Schedule your free consultation—let the Azeer team take on the task of making you a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Feeder Shipping?
refers to the process of using smaller vessels to transport cargo from local or regional ports to international ports. These smaller vessels deliver containers to a location where they are consolidated onto a single large ship, thereby reducing the number of stops made by large ships, saving costs, and increasing efficiency in supply chains.
What is the Kingdom’s impact on feeder shipping operations?
Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of trade routes between Asia, Europe, and Africa, combined with massive investments in ports and maritime infrastructure under Saudi Vision 2030, has positioned the Kingdom to capture 45% of this market in the Red Sea, and 35% of the Gulf states’ profits from shipping.
