Lloyd’s Register, MAWANI Partner on Saudi Port Development
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector, port management and digital transformation. The agreement will explore cooperation in maritime governance, sustainability, regulatory compliance and risk management to support the development of the Kingdom’s ports industry.
The partnership will also examine opportunities in maritime digitalization, green port initiatives, maritime insurance, professional training and operational efficiency. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched in 2021, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.
The MoU was signed by MAWANI President His Excellency Eng. Suliman Al-Mazroua and Lloyd’s Register CEO Nick Brown. Over the three-year period, both organizations will explore how LR’s technical and advisory expertise can support port administration, institutional capacity building and the adoption of international standards.
Read:Mawani and Qatar Ports Sign MoU to Strengthen Regional Maritime Trade and Port Cooperation
Potential initiatives include governance assessments, competency frameworks, leadership development, stakeholder engagement and improved policies and procedures for maritime and port operations.
Environmental management will also feature in the collaboration, with both parties exploring decarbonization initiatives, environmental management systems and green port programmes. Discussions will additionally cover environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, performance indicators and reporting frameworks.
Another priority is strengthening Saudi Arabia’s maritime workforce. The organizations will explore closer cooperation between educational institutions and industry, workforce localization, and greater opportunities for women’s participation and career development in the maritime sector.
Read:Op-Ed: ESG Reporting in Shipping: Why Environmental Compliance Matters for Maritime Companies
James Frew, Maritime Advisory & Energy Sales Director at Lloyd’s Register, said the agreement reflects a shared ambition to develop a safe, sustainable and future-ready maritime sector. He highlighted the potential of combining MAWANI’s national leadership with LR’s international maritime and technical expertise to strengthen capabilities and accelerate innovation.
Abdullah Al Munif, Vice President of Commercial Business at MAWANI, said the partnership would support operational excellence, national capability development and the international competitiveness of Saudi ports. He also highlighted the role of data and technology in improving port efficiency and resilience.
Previous Cooperation Covers Four Major Saudi Ports
The new agreement builds on an existing partnership between the two organizations. In January 2025, Lloyd’s Register was appointed to support management systems and certification preparation at four Saudi ports: Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Yanbu Commercial Port and Jubail Commercial Port.
The earlier contract covered quality and environmental procedures aligned with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, alongside support for Port State Control processes and personnel training.
Saudi Ports Embrace Digitalization and Sustainable Development
The agreement reflects the growing importance of digital transformation, environmental compliance and international port standards in strengthening maritime competitiveness. Saudi Arabia’s approach combines institutional development with green port initiatives and workforce training, addressing several important areas of modern port management.
The effectiveness of the partnership will ultimately depend on implementing these areas of cooperation into practical initiatives and measurable improvements in port operations.
