Riyadh - Mubasher: Fulak Marine Services Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the operator of regular shipping lines and feeder vessels, announced the launch of a new route for regular regional shipping lines, linking major Arabian Gulf ports, including Dammam and Umm Qasr in Iraq, and two of the largest commercial ports in India, Nhava Sheva and Mundra.

Fulak explained in a statement today, Wednesday, that the new shipping line, “India Gulf Service,” will be launched from Dammam on October 30, 2024, where the ship “Asterius,” with a capacity of 1,827 TEUs, will provide the service. The ship will carry imported goods from India before heading to Umm Qasr.

Fulak noted that the initial plan is for the service to be every 14 days, but it will be quickly upgraded to become weekly by next December.

The company explained that the two new routes of the regular regional shipping lines aim to enhance trade relations with India, facilitate the movement of consumer goods, petrochemicals and other basic commodities, and support the growing strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and India. This service will also contribute to enhancing regional connectivity and international markets, with a focus on Asian, African and European trade routes.

Dammam Port is also among the top 10 ports in the Middle East, handling 2.7 million TEUs annually, making it a major player in regional and global supply chains.

Commenting on the launch of the new route, Paul Hestback, CEO of Fulak Marine, said: “The launch of the new service to the Arabian Gulf will help fill a key gap in the logistics supply chain and support Fulak’s mission of connecting the world’s leading ports, industries and shipping lines.”

Hestback added that the opening of this route is in line with Vision 2030, which aims to consolidate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub. It also enhances Dammam’s strategic position as a major logistics hub, and constitutes a remarkable achievement for Fulak Marine, as it is the first Saudi company to provide this service.”

“Our focus is on expanding our service routes to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The launch of the regular liner service between India and the Arabian Gulf is a significant milestone, as it will enhance our coverage and provide more innovative solutions to our customers,” said Kim Larsen, Chief Commercial Officer, Fulak Marine.

Fulak Marine is the first Saudi company to provide regular container line and feeder services in Saudi Arabia and the region. Through these new routes, the company is committed to providing reliable, efficient and strategically important maritime services to meet the growing demands of regional trade.

Since its establishment, Fulak Maritime has launched 4 new and unique routes for regional regular shipping lines and feeder vessels, supported by vessels specialized in transporting containers, reflecting rapid growth and operational flexibility.

This latest expansion in Fulak’s marine services will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub, facilitating regional and international trade and contributing to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 for economic diversification.

Fulak Marine Services, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, was established in 2024 with the aim of seamlessly connecting regional ports and stimulating trade across the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and East Africa.

Its strategic goal is in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global logistics hub, which confirms the Kingdom’s leading position in leading many industrial sectors with high growth rates.

Fulak Marine Services Company plays a pivotal role in operating regular shipping lines and feeder vessels, as it seeks to establish new trade corridors and provide comprehensive shipping solutions, linking the main shipping routes in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea region and beyond, by providing enhanced and cost-effective logistics services that will contribute to driving the growth of trade movement.

Through its feeder vessel operations, Fulak Marine Services’ efforts revolve around seamlessly connecting small ports with larger, more extensive hubs, and providing comprehensive shipping solutions to cargo owners.

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