CEVA Almajdouie and Port of NEOM partner on cross-border cargo

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics has entered a partnership with Port of NEOM to strengthen cross-border cargo movement through combined maritime and inland logistics services. The collaboration was announced in January 2025 and integrates Red Sea maritime access with trucking, warehousing and customs services.

Red Sea maritime access combined with inland services#

The partnership connects Port of NEOM's Red Sea terminal capacity with CEVA Almajdouie's inland transport and warehousing network. The arrangement is designed to provide freight connectivity across regional and international markets through a single service offering. CEVA Almajdouie operates trucking and warehousing infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and neighbouring markets. Port of NEOM provides maritime access on the Red Sea coast. The partnership combines these two elements into a coordinated service for cargo moving between sea and inland destinations.

Disruptions reshape regional cargo routing#

Disruptions in the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz have reshaped cargo flows across the Gulf and Red Sea regions, according to Saji Manikanta, managing director of Inmar Shipping & Logistics. Dry bulk and container movements to and from Gulf ports have come to a near standstill. Cargo flows to and from Saudi ports via the Red Sea have been severely affected. Ports including Fujairah, Sohar and Khor Fakkan have taken on renewed importance as alternative gateways, with overland transportation used to reach destinations across the Gulf.

Infrastructure strain from oversized project cargo#

The region's road and rail infrastructure remains limited for moving oversized project cargo, Manikanta stated. Historically, shipments of this scale moved by sea, so overland networks were not developed to handle them. The shift in routing has placed strain on existing infrastructure, which is now absorbing volumes and dimensions it was not designed to support. Moving oversized project cargo in this environment requires meticulous planning and coordination across every leg of the journey.

Technology improves route planning and visibility#

Technology is enabling better planning and connectivity across ocean and land transportation, Manikanta said. It allows logistics providers to plan routes more effectively, anticipate weather conditions, identify port congestion and evaluate alternative ports and routes in advance. The technology provides clients with greater visibility on how cargo is moving from origin to final delivery. In a volatile operating environment, that foresight helps reduce the risk of delays and supports informed decision-making.