RIYADH: A new shipping service from Dammam to East Asia has been announced by the Saudi Ports Authority as the Kingdom’s logistics industry continues to grow. The body, also known as Mawani, said the maritime offering from will connect the King Abdulaziz Port to Shanghai, Xiamen, Dachan Bay, and Qingdao in China. It will also link it to Busan in South Korea, Klang in Malaysia, Sohar in Oman, and Khor Fakkan in the UAE, according to a statement. The service, known as GALEX, is set to be introduced by container liner company Emirates Shipping Line. The announced connections will be facilitated through regular weekly trips, with up to 3,000 twenty-foot equivalent units in terms of capacity. This move aims to enhance the navigational link between Saudi Arabia and East Asia, It also falls in line with the authority’s goal to elevate its partnerships with major international transportation firms, support the maritime sector, and contribute to national economic development. It supports the movement of exports and imports, thereby aligning well with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy objectives to cement the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub that bridges three continents. It also represents a significant step in bolstering the role of the Dammam port in enhancing the maritime transport division as well as distribution services. Additionally, it confirms the advanced operational levels reached by the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and its high logistical capabilities, which contribute to attracting the latest major vessels and primary international shipping lines. Earlier in March, trade links between the Kingdom and Southeast Asia were set to prosper further after Mawani announced a shipping route to the region from King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. The service, known IMS, is set to connect the terminal to Klang in Malaysia, Surabaya and Jakarta in Indonesia and Nhava Sheva in India, as well as Jebel Ali in the UAE, according to a statement released at the time. The maritime offering was also set to be introduced by freight and logistics firm VASI Shipping Pte Ltd, the statement added. On a similar note, the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam achieved a record-breaking monthly throughput, handling 235,820 TEUs in February. This milestone reflects its comprehensive operational services and modern equipment, which enable it to manage various types of goods with a capacity of an estimated 105 million tonnes of cargo and containers.