A new shipping company has started operations in Saudi Arabia, called Folk Maritime, offering feeder vessel services and short-sea transportation solutions. Poul Hestbaek is the first chief executive officer (CEO) of Folk Maritime. Hestbaek is a former CEO of Maersk-owned box line Hamburg Süd and left the Danish shipping giant in August 2023.
The new box carrier is expected to provide its customers with non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) services and create new trade lanes, offering end-to-end shipping solutions.
Leveraging Saudi Arabia's geographic advantage along the Red Sea, Folk Maritime's strategic endeavours focus on elevating connectivity, optimising logistics efficiency, and reinforcing sector capabilities.
The company has also committed to sustainable shipping, aligning with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s 2030 GHG emissions target.
It has announced online:
Saudi Arabia's location at the crossroads of three continents, with direct access to some of the world's busiest shipping lanes, is of significant strategic advantage to Folk Maritime Services Company. As a new player in container feeder and short-sea services, Folk Maritime is ideally positioned to boost #MiddleEast trade connectivity and deliver a more cost-effective environment for mainline shippers. By further strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub, Folk Maritime aims to secure the #SupplyChain of strategic sectors and positively impact KSA's GDP. With longer-term plans to expand its service network beyond the Middle East, Folk Maritime will build reliability and resilience into the global supply chain, supporting the continuous flow of international trade.
For more information: folkmaritime.com