Published on
February 4, 2026
The Saudi Maritime Awards 2026, held in the vibrant city of Jeddah, celebrated the remarkable achievements and leadership in the maritime industry, bringing together prominent figures from across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, and beyond. Hosted at the renowned Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, the event was organized by Robban Assafina in partnership with the Transport General Authority (TGA), and carried the esteemed patronage of H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services.
This inaugural ceremony gathered influential government representatives, maritime authorities, executives, and industry leaders to honor excellence in maritime sectors, including shipping, ports, logistics, offshore operations, and more. The event showcased Saudi Arabia’s strengthening role as a pivotal force in shaping the future of global maritime affairs.
A National Platform for Maritime Innovation
The evening commenced with a warm and formal welcome to all attendees, signaling the start of the Saudi Maritime Awards 2026. H.E. Eng. Essam M. Alammari, Deputy for Maritime Transport at the Transport General Authority (TGA), representing H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Acting President of TGA, delivered the opening address. He acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, government officials, and leaders from the maritime industry, emphasizing the strategic importance of the awards as a platform to recognize exceptional performance and innovation across the sector.
Eng. Alammari highlighted the role of the Saudi Maritime Awards in promoting excellence, fostering innovation, and driving measurable success within the maritime domain. He noted that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions are reflected in the continued advancement of a competitive and future-ready maritime ecosystem, one that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic goals.
Saudi Arabia’s Rising Maritime Influence
In his speech, Eng. Alammari further underscored Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence within the global maritime landscape. He drew attention to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to modernize ports, enhance maritime regulations, integrate logistics, and support sustainability. Additionally, he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s active involvement in global maritime governance, exemplified by its recent re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. This serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s status as a trusted global partner and a vital maritime hub that bridges continents and connects vital trade routes.
Capt. Hayham Chaaban, CEO of Robban Assafina, followed with a heartfelt address, welcoming Eng. Alammari and all attendees. He expressed his gratitude for the presence of honored officials and maritime experts, reaffirming the significance of the Saudi Maritime Awards as a celebration of industry leadership and vision.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Saudi Maritime Awards 2026 was not only a celebration of the Kingdom’s progress but also a reflection of its growing prominence on the global maritime stage, marking a new chapter of innovation, leadership, and excellence in line with the strategic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
He began by emphasizing the purpose of the event:
Advertisement
Advertisement
“It is both an honour and a great pleasure to welcome you to this prestigious celebration, the Saudi Maritime Awards 2026. Tonight, we gather to recognize leadership, achievement, and measurable contribution across the maritime industry within the Kingdom and globally.”
Capt. Chaaban celebrated Saudi Arabia’s deep maritime roots and Jeddah’s longstanding importance as a vital port hub. He underscored that under Saudi Vision 2030, the transformation of the nation’s ports, logistics infrastructure, and maritime connectivity is central to driving economic diversification and strengthening global trade links. He also lauded Saudi Arabia’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term, calling it a clear reflection of the world’s confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its influential role in shaping maritime governance.
Importantly, Capt. Chaaban stated:
“The Saudi Maritime Awards are founded on transparency, structured evaluation, and credibility, recognizing organizations and individuals that deliver safer operations, stronger compliance, innovation, sustainability, and resilient supply chains.”
Next, Mr. Hassan Omar Badhaidooh, CEO of Mutual Marine Services Al-Mushtaraka Ltd., took the stage to address the audience, extending a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, officials, and international participants in attendance.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s national direction and strategic vision:
“Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has set a new global benchmark for a national vision,”
Mr. Badhaidooh highlighted that this vision has “opened doors to global opportunities” and significantly enhanced the Kingdom’s international presence. He further emphasized that the ceremony symbolizes a collective dedication to excellence, innovation, and the promising future of maritime logistics and services in both the Kingdom and the wider region. Additionally, he commended the Ministry of Transport for establishing “a vital platform for recognition and inspiration.”
He noted the broader message of the event:
“By championing this event, you send a clear message: you believe in nurturing talent, rewarding innovation, and advancing the collective progress of our industry, which will no doubt place our maritime sector at even greater heights on the global stage.”
He concluded by extending his congratulations to the award winners and organizers, wishing the maritime sector continued success, safety, and sustainable growth.
SMA 2026: A Milestone and Vision for the Future
The Saudi Maritime Awards 2026 featured 29 categories, honoring individuals and companies that showcased exceptional dedication, transformative contributions, and remarkable performance in sectors such as shipping, ports, logistics, maritime services, shipbuilding, offshore activities, innovation, and sustainability.
The successful debut of SMA 2026 establishes the awards as a prestigious annual event, designed to celebrate excellence, foster collaboration, and support ongoing growth in the maritime industry. The next Saudi Maritime Awards Night will take place on March 25, 2027, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to driving innovation and enhancing regional and global maritime partnerships.
Award Winners
The Saudi Maritime Awards 2026 recognized a wide array of maritime leaders and organizations, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions and achievements across various sectors, including shipping, ports, logistics, maritime services, shipbuilding, offshore activities, innovation, and sustainability.
Here is the list of distinguished winners from the 29 categories at the Saudi Maritime Awards 2026:
- Maritime Safety & Security Award: Maritime Company for Navigation (MACNA)
- Shipping Leadership Award: Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Co. Ltd.
- Ship Manager Award: Bahri
- CEO of the Year Award: Mr. Harald Nijhof, CEO, Aqaba Container Terminal
- Best Project Innovation Award: ClassNK
- Excellence in Maritime Risk Management Award: Mutual Marine Services Al Mushtaraka Group
- Maritime Personality of the Year Award: Hassan Omar Badehidouh, CEO, Mutual Marine Services Al Mushtaraka Group
- Maritime Hall of Fame Award: H.E. Eng. Essam M. Alammari, Deputy for Maritime Transport at Transport General Authority
- Tanker Operator Award: Bihar International
- Best Freight Forwarder & Logistics Award: Bassam Shipping Company
- Sustainable Shipping Award: Grimaldi Group
- Ship Agency Award: Bahoor Al Mashriq Ltd. (OSLCO)
- Ship Repair Yard Award: ASRY
- Top Service Provider in the Marine and Offshore Award: Stanford Marine Group
- Marine Insurer Award: North Standard
- Terminal Operator Award: Red Sea Gateway Terminal
- Port Operator of the Year: Saudi Port Authority Mawani
- Leading Woman in Shipping Award: Narjis Haider Almoosawi, Acting CEO, BASREC
- CSR Award of the Year: SOHAR Port and Freezone
- Best Yacht Services Award: Hill Robinson Saudia
- Port of the Year Award: Cruise Terminal (Mwani Qatar)
- Maritime Law Firm of the Year Award: Al Tamimi & Company
- Best Maritime Administration Award: Transport General Authority (TGA)
- Green Shipping Award: Bureau Veritas
- Shipping Company Award: CMA CGM
- Maritime Youth Award: Capt. Mustafa Nejem, Managing Director, Nautical Green Maritime
- Classification Society of the Year Award: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
- Seafarer of the Year Award: Huthaifa Haytham Hamdy
- Excellence in Maritime Education Award: National Maritime Academy
