The ports of Aqaba recorded a 38% growth in the volume of cargo handled from the beginning of the year until the end of the first week of June. This indicator reflects Aqaba's growing role as a regional logistical gateway, as well as its capacity to support trade movement, supply chains, and strategic commodities. This comes within the framework of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority's (ASEZA) approach to enhancing Aqaba's competitiveness as an integrated economic and logistical hub.
اضافة اعلان
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of ASEZA, Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, emphasized that the operational performance indicators in Aqaba ports reflect the importance of continuing to develop logistical services and improving operational efficiency. This, he noted, strengthens Aqaba's role as a cornerstone of the national economy and a major hub for regional trade and transit.
Al-Majali stated that Aqaba ports continue to solidify their position thanks to their advanced infrastructure, specialized berths, deep draft, and modern handling equipment. These capabilities enable the ports to efficiently handle various types of cargo and vessels, as well as receive larger deadweight tonnage ships capable of transporting massive quantities of goods and essential materials in a single voyage.
This came during an inspection tour conducted by Al-Majali on Wednesday to the Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM). He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr. Mohammad Abu Omar, and the Executive Director of Transport and Logistics at the Aqaba Development Corporation, Abdulsalam Obeidat. They were received by the Director-General of ACPOM, Dr. Mahmoud Khleifat, and several relevant officials.
During the tour, Al-Majali reviewed the progress of work at the ports, the key operational performance indicators, cargo and shipping movements, and the procedures implemented to ensure smooth logistical operations and upgrade the efficiency of provided services.
During the visit, the Director-General of ACPOM, Dr. Mahmoud Khleifat, reviewed the operational performance results, explaining that the multi-purpose port continues to achieve advanced performance indicators. The volume of cargo handled from the beginning of the year until the end of the first week of June rose to nearly 2.8 million tons, achieving a 38% growth compared to the same period last year.
Furthermore, the port received 164 ships, compared to 150 ships during the same period last year, marking an increase of approximately 9.3%. He pointed out that the significant growth in cargo volumes handled, contrasted with the relatively lower percentage increase in the number of ships, reflects enhanced operational efficiency and an increased capacity to receive larger cargo vessels.
Khleifat explained that transit cargo bound for Iraq was a major driver of this growth, with expectations to exceed one million tons by the end of June. This further consolidates Aqaba's position as a primary gateway for regional trade and supply chains toward neighboring markets.
He added that the port also handled around 62,000 heads of live cattle, alongside a clear diversity in transit shipments. Sugar shipments accounted for 55% of the total transit cargo, followed by corn and barley shipments at 33%, reflecting the ports' capacity to manage strategic goods linked to supply chains and food security.
Al-Majali concluded by affirming that ASEZA will continue to work with various partners to develop the business environment and logistical services, and to boost port efficiency. This ongoing effort aims to support Aqaba's standing as an integrated economic and logistical center, contributing to the national economy and expanding Jordan's role in regional trade.
