Cargo volumes jump 78%

The latest statistics on general cargo throughput at Khalifa Bin Salman Port show a significant surge in May 2026, with handling volumes reaching around 105,500 tonnes. The sharp increase is seen as a positive indicator of a rapid recovery in maritime and trade activity following exceptional disruptions in regional shipping routes earlier this year.

The recovery follows major challenges that affected supply chains across Bahrain and the wider Gulf region, including heightened regional tensions and the temporary disruption of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, which led to a full suspension of general cargo movement in March and partial recovery in April.

May’s figures are particularly notable as they reflect a strong rebound immediately after a period of unprecedented disruption. In March 2026, general cargo operations at the port came to a complete halt, before resuming gradually in April with a recorded 59,400 tonnes. This was followed by a sharp jump to 105,500 tonnes in May—an increase of nearly 78% in just one month.

Officials and analysts view this rapid recovery as evidence of effective crisis management by relevant authorities, which helped stabilize logistics operations, restore shipping flows, and support the return of supply chains to the local market.

When compared with previous years, May 2026 also outperforms historical performance levels. The port handled around 44,200 tonnes in May 2025, 32,100 tonnes in May 2024, and 36,100 tonnes in May 2023—making this year’s figure not just a recovery, but a substantial improvement over normal operating levels.

Cumulatively, general cargo throughput from January to May 2026 reached approximately 261,600 tonnes, compared to about 242,000 tonnes during the same period in 2025. This represents an overall increase of around 8%, despite the complete shutdown recorded in March. The strong performance in May played a key role in offsetting earlier losses and restoring overall growth momentum.