Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2015 -- In 2015 we forecast a modest recovery at a number of Saudi ports that underwent declines in box and total tonnage throughput in recent years. Looking ahead, a number of key port infrastructure projects are in the pipeline and local shipping firms The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) and Vela Shipping are in the process of completing their merger. Such developments will support growth in the coming years.

Headline Industry Data

- 2015 port of Jeddah Islamic Port tonnage throughput forecast to return to growth at 5.2%. Growth will average 5.2 % to 2019.
- 2015 port of Jeddah Islamic Port container throughput forecast to return to growth at 7.8%. Growth will average 7.6% to 2019.
- 2015 total trade forecast to see real growth of 2.8%. Growth will average 2.4% from 2015 to 2019.

Key Industry Trends

Total Investments For Port Infrastructure Projects Reach USD30bn: Saudi Arabia has existing and proposed port infrastructure projects worth more than USD30bn. The new infrastructure projects include the Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP) expansion, which is expected to increase the handling capacity of the port by 45%. An international container terminal at JIP, the Red Sea Gateway Terminal, was also built at a cost of USD510mn.

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Vela Transfers VLCC Albutain Star To Bahri: Bahri acquired ownership of the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Albutain Star from the Vela fleet on November 13, according to the company's press centre. The value of the transaction was SAR323.7mn (USD86.32mn).

ANB Signs King Abdullah Port Package: The Arab National Bank has, as mandated lead arranger, signed a SAR2.68bn (USD714.36mn) credit finance package with HUTA Marine Works to fund construction and development works at the King Abdullah Port project in Saudi Arabia.

Risks To Outlook

One of the largest risks to our outlook is Jeddah's application to be a metals hub for the London Metals Exchange, which also offers upside potential to the facility's tonnage throughput. The...

The Saudi Arabia Shipping Report has been researched at source and features latest-available data and Business Monitor International (BMI)'s independent forecasting, critically analysing international transport of dry bulk and containers. The report evaluates the global commodities and trade backdrop, alongside in-depth country-specific analysis of trade prospects. The report also contains company profiles covering leading multinational and national shipping companies and analysis of latest industry news, trends and regulatory developments in Saudi Arabia.

BMI's Saudi Arabia Shipping Report provides industry professionals and strategists, sector analysts, business investors, trade associations and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on the shipping industry in Saudi Arabia.

Key Benefits

- Benchmark BMI's independent shipping industry forecasts for Saudi Arabia to test other views - a key input for successful budgeting and strategic business planning in the Saudi shipping market.
- Target business opportunities and risks in Saudi Arabia through our reviews of latest industry trends, regulatory changes and major deals, projects and investments.
- Exploit the latest competitive intelligence and company SWOTS on your competitors and peers including multinational and national companies.

Coverage

BMI Industry View

Summary of BMI's key industry forecasts, views and trend analysis covering shipping, major investments and projects and significant multinational and national company developments.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the state's shipping sector, which carefully evaluates the short- and medium-term issues facing the industry.

Market Overview

Analysis of the capacity, terminals and planned development of the major ports in each country, including data on throughput and total tonnage.

Industry Forecast Scenario

Historic data series (2008-2012) and forecasts to end-2018 for all key industry and macroeconomic indicators (see list below), supported by explicit assumptions, plus analysis of key downside risks to the main forecast, including:

Major port freight throughput (tonnes/teu); overall freight throughput (teu); total imports (US$bn) and exports (US$bn).

Company Profiles

Company profiles include business activities, leading products and services, company strategy, trends and developments and economic performance analysis.

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