Aqaba Port Experiences 45% Increase In Ship Arrivals Amidst Regional Maritime Shifts
Shipping Arabia, October 1, 2024 — The Port of Aqaba has reported a substantial rise in maritime activity during the first eight months of 2024, with ship arrivals increasing by 45% compared to the same period last year.
The port welcomed 1,700 vessels this year, up from 1,517 in 2023, according to the Jordan Shipping Association.
Dr. Dureid Mahasneh, Chairman of the Jordan Shipping Association, pointed out that the surge in passenger ships has significantly contributed to this increase.
“From January to August, we recorded 826 passenger ships docking at Aqaba, a rise from 570 during the same timeframe in 2023,” he noted.
This influx of passenger traffic led to a total of 183,805 passengers, reflecting a 22.1% increase from the previous year.
The port also experienced notable growth in general cargo throughput, with imported goods amounting to 1.65 million tons, a 19.6% increase from 1.38 million tons last year.
Iron shipments saw a remarkable 57% rise, reaching 332,000 tons, while calf imports more than doubled to 106,000 heads, although sheep imports declined.
Phosphate exports from Jordan also showed positive trends, increasing to 4.4 million tons, up from 4.2 million tons, marking a 4.5% rise.
Truck traffic through the port mirrored this growth, with both entries and exits showing increases compared to the previous year.
Despite these encouraging developments, Mahasneh acknowledged challenges posed by geopolitical tensions affecting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which have influenced maritime traffic flows and altered shipping patterns in the region.
“While the Suez Canal experienced a 51.5% decline in ship traffic, the Cape of Good Hope saw a significant increase of 72.2%,” he explained.
Interest from global shipping lines in Aqaba Port remains robust, with several new shipping lines launching operations and establishing local offices in 2024.
“This highlights Aqaba’s growing importance as a key maritime hub in the region,” Mahasneh concluded.
