Riyadh, March 17, 2021, SPA -- Saudi ports, being supervised by Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), achieved an increase in the total number of handled containers during February 2021, a total of 572,000 containers, marking an increase of 3.58%, while the total number of transshipment increased by 16.16%, with more than 213,000 containers. The ports also reported a 2.23% increase in the total amount of cargo, compared to the same period of the previous year, which reached more than 20,000,000 tons, coming on board 894 ships. According to the statistical index issued by MAWANI, Saudi Arabia’s ports achieved an increase in the total number of livestock; more than 286,000 heads, marking an increase of 217%. The number of imported vehicles reached 58,000, and the number of passengers reached 43,000, while the total foodstuffs reached 1,700,000 tons. This increase comes to meet the needs of development, the national economy and the trade movement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and as a part of the ongoing development process that MAWANI is working on to raise the level of operational and logistical performance, infrastructure capabilities and absorptive capacities in this vital sector. The increase also comes due to strategic partnerships with major international shipping lines that contribute to strengthening the connection of Saudi Arabia’s ports with the ports of the East and the West. --SPA 14:31 LOCAL TIME 11:31 GMT 0012 www.spa.gov.sa/w1526237