Jeddah Port Adds RC2 Service Linking Asia, Mideast

Jeddah Islamic Port has added a new container shipping service, known as RC2, that links Asia with Middle East trade routes and further strengthens the port's position as a regional maritime hub on the Red Sea.

The RC2 service, operated by Ocean Network Express, connects Jeddah Islamic Port with the Chinese ports of Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha, as well as Aqaba in Jordan and Sokhna in Egypt. Vessels deployed on the route at Jeddah have a capacity of up to 1,643 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The new loop is part of a broader wave of expansions that have integrated Jeddah Islamic Port into several new services connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Additional services and rotations have been announced for the 2024–2026 period as the port broadens its global reach.

Among these is the Red-Sea China Service (RCS), set to launch in early 2026, which includes Jeddah in its rotation between major Chinese ports and Red Sea ports, adding further capacity to the Asia–Middle East corridor.

Why it matters

Improved maritime connectivity supports the flow of goods into and out of the Kingdom, benefiting importers, exporters and businesses that rely on efficient supply chains. As trade links deepen, Jeddah Islamic Port continues to serve as a key gateway for the region.

Service-specific fees, handling tariffs and application procedures for the new routes are typically set out in detailed port tariff schedules and commercial contracts rather than in these announcements.

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