The total amount of cargo handled at Saudi Arabian ports increased to 154 million tons in 2008, marking an increase of 9.06 percent over the previous year. According to the Saudi Ports Authority (SPA), the biggest share was registered at Jeddah Islamic Port, which handled 45.7 million tons of cargo, mainly consisting of containers, food, construction material and general cargo. The figure, which excludes the shipment of crude oil, marked an increase of 7.79 percent. Other top performers were King Fahad Industrial Port in Jubail, King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu and King Abdulaziz Port in Damman. The only decrease was reported at Dhiba Port, with cargo volumes decreasing by 28 percent. “This increase would not have been made without the constant support extended by the government for the development projects,” said Dr. Khaled Bin Ahmed Bubshait, SPA president.
