RIYADH: Saudi Arabia must cultivate local talent in the container shipping industry to fully achieve its Vision 2030 ambitions and solidify its position as a global logistics hub, said a senior executive. 

Speaking at a panel discussion during the sixth edition of the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference in Riyadh, Poul Hestbaek, the CEO of Riyadh-based logistics service company Folk Maritime, highlighted the need for specialized expertise in the container sector.

“We have a strong focus on not just diversification, but also on Saudi talent. These are some of the things that we have had to hire experts from outside the Kingdom, but eventually, we hope to replace them with qualified young people from within Saudi Arabia,” Hestbaek said. 

He continued: “If the day comes when I have to retire and I am replaced by a Saudi, that would make me really, really happy. So, I think talent is something we will be working on.” 

Hestbaek also highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in developing the Kingdom’s maritime industry, saying, “You cannot pull this off alone. It’s clear you depend on collaboration.” 

He added, “Whether it is partnering with Maersk, King Abdullah Port, or others, the better experts you bring, the better product you can offer.” 

The session brought together leading figures from the maritime and logistics sectors, who explored the Kingdom’s opportunities as a global trade gateway. 

Jay New, the CEO of King Abdullah Port, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unique geographical advantages and infrastructure and said “30 percent of all containers sail past the Red Sea every day.

“The expansion opportunities for King Abdullah Port northbound along the Red Sea are limitless. You could build a port as big as you would ever want globally,” New said. 

He added that King Abdullah Port was designed to accommodate future growth, with deep-water berths, linear quays, and cutting-edge automation. 

“In 2021, the World Bank recognized King Abdullah Port as the world’s most efficient port,” New said. 

He added, “King Abdullah Port will remain a consistently high-performing port for the future. This should last for decades, and this allows King Abdullah Port, on behalf of Saudi Arabia in many ways, to attract the main shipping lines into the port.” 

He further said: “This provides Saudi Arabia, Saudi cargo owners, cargo exporters, and cargo importers with access to the biggest ships in the world that serve the main trade routes from Asia to Saudi Arabia, and from Europe and America to Saudi Arabia.” 

During the panel discussion, Mohammad Shihab, managing director of Maersk Saudi Arabia, stressed the dramatic improvements in customs clearance processes over the past decade. 

“Nine years ago, clearing cargo could take more than a week — sometimes up to 14 days. Today, many shipments are cleared in hours, with an average of one day for a large percentage of imports,” he said. 

Shihab added that these advancements make Saudi Arabia increasingly competitive as a transshipment hub. 

“The focus on infrastructure development and digital solutions has significantly enhanced the Kingdom’s position on global trade routes. The ability to clear cargo quickly benefits importers, exporters, and the local economy,” Shihab said. 

Technology was another key focus of the discussion. Turki Alkhorayef, general manager of Ports and Maritime Services at ELM, outlined how digital transformation is boosting efficiency in the logistics sector. 

“We are leveraging artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and real-time tracking to provide live updates on vessel arrivals, cargo movements, and port activities,” Alkhorayef said. 

The panel concluded with a consensus that investing in local talent, infrastructure, and advanced technology will be critical to achieving Vision 2030 goals. 

By fostering collaboration and ensuring Saudi nationals are trained to lead the industry, the Kingdom is poised to emerge as a dominant player in the global maritime and logistics sectors.