LR and MAWANI sign agreement to support the development of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and ports sector

Lloyd's Register (LR) and the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the advancement of Saudi Arabia's maritime and ports sectors. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Suliman Al-Mazroua, President of MAWANI, and LR's CEO Nick Brown. Over a period of three years, the two organizations will explore various areas including maritime governance, capacity building, sustainability, digitalization, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

They will also look into collaboration in innovation, maritime insurance, training, and professional qualifications.

This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched in 2021, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. The two entities will examine how LR's expertise and advisory services could bolster the development of efficient maritime and port administration and operations. Potential activities encompass governance and organizational assessments, competency frameworks, leadership development, stakeholder engagement, and the formulation of policies and procedures in line with international standards.

Sustainability is a major focus area, and both parties will explore creating environmental management systems, decarbonization initiatives, and green port programs. They will also consider strengthening environmental, social, and governance strategies, performance indicators, and reporting frameworks.

A further priority will be developing maritime skills and Saudi talent, potentially involving measures to enhance connections between education and industry, support workforce localization, and boost women's participation and career development in the maritime sector. James Frew, Maritime Advisory & Energy Sales Director at LR, commented: "This agreement underscores our shared goal to foster a secure, sustainable, and future-ready maritime sector in line with Saudi Arabia's aspirations to become a global logistics hub.

By merging MAWANI's national leadership with LR's international maritime and technical experience, we can uncover practical ways to enhance capability and expedite innovation to support a sustainable maritime and ports sector for the Kingdom."

Abdullah Al Munif, Vice President of Commercial Business at MAWANI, stated: "Our collaboration with Lloyd’s Register will bolster MAWANI's endeavors to enhance operational excellence, cultivate national capabilities, and elevate the international competitiveness of Saudi ports. Moreover, it establishes a platform for knowledge exchange and cooperation on digitalization, helping us explore how better utilization of data and technology can facilitate more efficient and resilient port operations and prepare for the future demands of maritime trade."

The agreement expands on LR's previous collaboration with MAWANI, which aimed at strengthening port management and developing workforce capabilities. Under a contract announced in January 2025, LR was appointed to provide management systems and certification support at Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Yanbu Commercial Port, and Jubail Commercial Port.

This included aligning quality and environmental procedures with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, as well as supporting Port State Control processes and personnel training.