Amman, April 13 (Petra) -- Proactive government measures and a high level of preparedness have boosted the competitiveness of Aqaba port as a global logistics hub, helping it navigate sharp disruptions in regional shipping sectors.

Amid significant challenges in maritime transport across the region, the port has experienced remarkable growth. It has attracted major shipping lines and solidified its status as a crucial hub for neighboring countries and global companies, including Total and Airbus.

Aqaba port has emerged as a standout performer, turning challenges into opportunities and recording exceptional growth that has made it a safe destination and a focal point for leading international shipping and logistics companies.

The port has moved beyond its traditional role as a national transit point, entering a new phase in which it is establishing itself as a vital gateway and strategic corridor for the region and emerging markets seeking secure and sustainable maritime routes.

Recent data shows this trend: the port is seeing an unprecedented flow of containers bound for neighboring countries, particularly Syria and Iraq, reflecting growing international confidence in its ability to absorb and efficiently meet rising regional demand.

Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Shadi Majali, told Petra that government measures adopted since the onset of successive crises have been instrumental in preserving Aqaba’s position as a key regional logistics hub.

Majali said ASEZA had adopted a proactive and carefully planned approach based on readiness ahead of crises. As regional tensions escalated, the cabinet introduced a comprehensive set of precautionary measures alongside economic incentives aimed at strengthening supply chains.

These steps included support for the maritime transport sector, intensified coordination with relevant entities to facilitate vessel arrivals, and ensuring the continuity of supply chains for all types of goods through Aqaba’s port system, he added.

Majali said the measures helped ensure uninterrupted port operations, resulting in a noticeable increase in cargo handling volumes and securing the supply of essential goods to the Jordanian market. Emergency economic incentives also encouraged shipping companies to retain Aqaba on their maritime routes.

He noted that Aqaba’s ports received around 267 vessels in March, including 115 through the passenger terminal. Total cargo throughput reached about 2.2 million tonnes, alongside 74,221 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 8,174 vehicles.

The ports also handled around 37,808 passengers and processed nearly 132,000 tonnes at the passenger terminal, reflecting growing tourism and maritime transport activity for individuals and vehicles.

Industry observers and specialists attribute Aqaba’s performance to proactive government action. Secretary-General of the Jordan Shipping Association (JSA), Captain Mohammad Dalabih, said the port had implemented a series of systemic reforms, including faster customs clearance procedures, enhanced digitalization of supply chains, expanded capacity and improved land connectivity.

He said these measures had reduced waiting times, lowered operating costs and increased the port’s reliability among global shipping partners.

Dalabih pointed to a notable paradox: disruptions affecting regional shipping routes in the Red Sea and other maritime corridors have not weakened Aqaba’s position but rather strengthened it, as companies seeking reliable alternatives have turned to the port, supported by its prepared infrastructure and regulatory framework.

He said the experience offers a model for maritime sector management, demonstrating that advance planning and forward-looking strategies are more effective than reactive responses.

Dalabih added that JSA’s statistical report for March 2026, compared with the same period in 2025, showed clear growth in several key indicators, alongside a slight and justified decline in some export sectors.

Despite current regional conditions and tensions, Jordan’s imports have not been affected, he said, noting consistent vessel traffic to Aqaba through both the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Cape of Good Hope route. This reflects the resilience of supply chains, the maritime sector’s adaptability to changing conditions, and a tangible improvement in trade and transit activity.

These indicators underline that proactive government measures and coordination among relevant entities have enhanced supply chain flexibility and reinforced Aqaba’s role as a vital logistics corridor for Jordan and the wider region, ensuring it continues to play a central role in global trade despite regional challenges.

//Petra// AF