Saudi-based feeder line Folk Maritime targets fleet expansion

With two vessels in operation, Folk Maritime serves as a strong partner in driving feeder services along one of the world’s most pivotal shipping routes, the Red Sea. With support from Bahri Ship Management, the aim is to link Saudi Arabia to regional ports across the Middle East and North Africa. Folk Maritime aims to further expand its fleet strength through new purchases as well as building new vessels purpose-designed for regional trade.  

Bahri Ship Management president Khalid Alhammad called the partnership with Folk Maritime a critical step towards realising Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals which includes modernising and diversifying the nation’s economy.

The PIF’s strategy for the maritime sector seeks to create a fully integrated logistics ecosystem and improve Saudi Arabia’s standing in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.

Highlighting the value of the partnership, Folk Maritime chief executive Poul Hestbaek flagged Bahri’s – the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia – expertise in shipmanagement and crewing as an example of strengthening the company fleet. 

“Bahri’s proven expertise in shipmanagement and crewing will enable us to strengthen our fleet and add tremendous value to our operations as Saudi Arabia’s pioneering independent feeder and shortsea shipping operator.”