Saudi Arabia is stepping up its maritime ambitions, and it’s not just about bigger ships or busier ports. The Kingdom is eyeing a seat on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Council, a move that signals its intent to shape global shipping policies—particularly around sustainability. Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh al-Jasser made the announcement at the second Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference in Jeddah, framing it as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to cut emissions and lead the region’s green transition.
This isn’t just political posturing. Saudi Arabia is backing its ambitions with real-world action. The Kingdom is investing in cutting-edge tech to slash emissions, from hybrid maritime initiatives that promise 25% fuel savings to a massive mangrove-planting drive under the Saudi Green Initiative. These aren’t side projects—they’re core to Saudi Arabia’s strategy to position itself as a regional maritime leader.
And the numbers back it up. Saudi Arabia operates 10 major ports with a combined capacity of over 1.1 billion tons annually, ranking 15th globally in container traffic. Its fleet capacity tops 8.5 million tons, placing it 20th worldwide. But beyond sheer scale, the Kingdom is betting on smart ports, advanced shipbuilding, and a workforce trained to international standards—including a push to bring more women into the sector.
The IMO Council seat would give Saudi Arabia a direct hand in shaping global maritime policy. But the real test will be whether it can translate its domestic initiatives into influential, scalable solutions. The Kingdom’s focus on emissions, safety, and digitalization aligns with the IMO’s priorities, but turning regional success into global impact requires more than just investment—it demands collaboration and compromise.
The two-day conference in Jeddah is a microcosm of this shift. Discussions span decarbonization strategies, underwater noise management, and the regulatory frameworks needed for autonomous shipping. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a hub for maritime innovation, but the real work lies in turning these ideas into actionable, industry-wide standards.
The Kingdom’s push for an IMO Council seat isn’t just about influence—it’s about proving that its vision for sustainable shipping can work on a global scale. If successful, it could reshape the maritime policy landscape, with Saudi Arabia at the helm of the green transition.