Saudi Arabia eyes autonomous shipping and local component manufacturing by 2027 (opens in a new tab)
Saudi Arabia aims to launch self-navigating ships in its waters by the end of 2027, following trials since 2025, while also developing local ship-component manufacturing. The International Maritime Organization’s voluntary autonomous shipping code took effect in 2026, but mandatory rules won’t apply until 2032. Bahri signed a $453 million contract with IMI to build three crude carriers, with deliveries between 2029 and 2030, as part of a broader 10-year vessel construction agreement. Almarai plans to expand into red meat and seafood production, investing SAR 4 billion to grow revenue from SAR 24 billion to SAR 36 billion over five years.