Port of Aqaba Achieves Significant Growth Across Operations

Strategic Insights -

The Port of Aqaba, a critical maritime transportation hub in Jordan, has shown remarkable growth in its operations over the first eight months of the year. This recovery and enhanced efficiency are attributed to the Jordan Shipping Association's (JMA) efforts to boost competitiveness and strengthen operational capacities, attracting additional international shipping lines. The port's container traffic, passenger volume, and exports have all seen significant increases, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting regional and international trade.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Port of Aqaba recorded a 33.3 percent increase in the number of container vessels arriving at the Kingdom from January 1 to the end of August 2025, reaching a total of 396 vessels.
  • The volume of handled containers rose to 556,844 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), marking a 22.3 percent year-on-year increase.
  • Passenger traffic at the port increased by 28.4 percent, totaling 235,654 passengers.
  • The port's exports included 4.36 million tons of phosphate, 1.59 million tons of potash, and 448,152 tons of iron.
  • Imports at the port consisted of 670,253 tons of wheat, 461,974 tons of corn, and 683,936 tons of barley, in addition to 121,896 calves and 685,091 sheep.
  • Vehicle traffic through the port more than doubled, with a 100.4 percent increase to 58,418 vehicles, driven by higher demand from the Syrian market and the resumption of Roll-on/Roll-off shipping lines.

Statistics:

  • 396 container vessels arrived at the Port of Aqaba from January 1 to the end of August 2025.
  • The port handled 556,844 TEU containers, a 22.3 percent year-on-year increase.
  • Passenger traffic reached 235,654, a 28.4 percent increase.
  • Phosphate exports totaled 4.36 million tons.
  • Potash exports reached 1.59 million tons.
  • Iron exports comprised 448,152 tons.
  • Wheat imports totaled 670,253 tons.
  • Corn imports reached 461,974 tons.
  • Barley imports consisted of 683,936 tons.
  • Livestock imports included 121,896 calves and 685,091 sheep.
  • Vehicle traffic increased by 100.4 percent to 58,418 vehicles.

Sources:

  • Jordan News Agency, "The Jordan Shipping Association (JMA) reported that the Port of Aqaba has achieved significant growth across its operations..." (September 14, 2025).