Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress has announced a new lineup of partners, exhibitors and speakers for its 2026 edition, taking place at Jeddah Superdome on October 21 and 22 under the patronage of Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services.

The event is supported by main partners the Transport General Authority, Mawani and Aramco, founding strategic partners Bahri and Seatrade Maritime Saudi Arabia, part of Informa, and strategic partner Bassam Shipping.

More than 200 companies will exhibit maritime equipment, port technology and logistics services, bringing together stakeholders from across the shipping and logistics supply chain.

The conference will feature two stages, with more than 120 speakers across five tracks covering trade corridors, port competitiveness, energy transition, infrastructure investment and maritime security.

The programme comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its ports and logistics network. Ports overseen by Mawani handled 8.32 million TEUs in 2025, up 10.58 per cent year on year, while transshipment volumes increased 11.78 per cent.

Sessions will examine the commercial challenges facing port operators, shipowners, cargo owners and investors amid changing trade routes, infrastructure expansion and the industry's transition towards new fuels and technologies.

Jay New, chief executive of King Abdullah Port, will discuss what shipping lines and cargo owners expect from ports when allocating cargo volumes, including the potential for ports to develop into wider industrial and logistics hubs.

Poul Hestbæk, chief executive of Folk Maritime, will explore long-term commercial decisions for shipping lines and port operators, focusing on resilience, route planning and emerging freight corridors.

Esben Poulsson, chairman at Cambiaso Risso Asia, will address risk management and commercial neutrality across multiple trade blocs.

Rania Tadros, Middle East managing partner at Stephenson Harwood, will examine liability, insurance and arbitration when cargo is delayed or diverted, alongside the role ports can play in maintaining trade continuity.

Other confirmed speakers include senior representatives from the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistic, ABS, DNV Maritime, Gulf Marine Services and Jadeer Logistics.

Saudi Arabia aims to rank among the world's top ten logistics economies by 2030 under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The congress will bring together ports, shipowners, logistics operators, financiers, engineering firms and technology providers involved in supporting that ambition. -TradeArabia News Service