Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority has temporarily waived documentation requirements for issuing and renewing marine navigation licenses and work permits for 30 days, with extensions possible if safety and environmental standards are upheld.

The decision applies to Saudi and foreign vessels located within the Kingdom’s territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This comes amid the ongoing conflict in the region, which has disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and gas chokepoints, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass.

Recent developments have led to restrictions and delays in maritime traffic through the waterway, driving up freight rates and prompting shipping companies to seek alternative routes. The disruptions have raised concerns over supply chain stability and the flow of global trade.

In a post on X, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said the decision was taken to “to ensure the continuity of maritime business and support logistics operations and supply chains with high efficiency ...” 

He added that the Ministry and the Public Transport Authority are working to continue enhancing the sector’s resilience and enabling ships to continue their commercial business and operational activities, maintaining the smooth flow of economic traffic in the Kingdom’s territorial waters, “as well as consolidating the sustainability of the transport and logistics system in various circumstances, and in accordance with the highest standards of security and safety.” 

The exemption includes vessels associated with maritime operations and projects within Saudi Arabia’s maritime zones that may face operational challenges preventing them from leaving to complete technical requirements or undergo the necessary inspections outside those waters.

The TGA stressed that the temporary measure aims to enable vessels to continue operating efficiently and safely, enhance operational flexibility, and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.

Earlier this week, the Kingdom’s ports authority rolled out additional support for vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf, aiming to streamline services and sustain maritime activity as regional shipping conditions tighten.

The Saudi Ports Authority, also known as Mawani, said at the time that it is leveraging capabilities across its Eastern Region ports to deliver integrated services that meet vessel requirements efficiently, helping ensure the continuity of operations.

Additionally, TGA has issued a license to the Saudi Railway Co. to operate container trains at additional stations on Saudi Arabia’s railway network.