Sponsored By

Podcast: Building a new regional shipping player with Folk Maritime CEO Poul Hestbaek

The CEO of Saudi Arabia’s new shortsea and feeder shipping player Folk Maritime shares the company’s plans to strengthen regional connectivity and spur trade growth.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

August 12, 2024

Folk Maritime is a newcomer to the feeder and shortsea trades but has chosen an experienced leader in container shipping to bring the company’s ambitions to life.

In this episode of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast, Folk Maritime CEO Poul Hestbaek speaks to Seatrade Maritime’s Gary Howard about the company’s expansion plans, and how Saudi Arabia’s backing and Vision 2030 gives Folk a long-term view of shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

The conversation covers topics including:

  • Fleet expansion and newbuilding plans

  • Shipping market trends, vessel design, and fuel source

  • The impact of Red Sea diversions on network planning

  • Using technology to improve container shipping efficiency

  • Network expansion and the growth of India-Middle East trade

Read more about:

Saudi Arabia

About the Author

Gary Howard

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

See more from Gary Howard
Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like

Latest in Red Sea Crisis

The damaged tanker Sounion under tow in the Red Sea
Security
Fire damaged tanker Sounion towed to safe areaFire damaged tanker Sounion towed to safe area
byMarcus Hand
Sep 17, 2024
1 Min Read
thumbnail
Containers
Gemini to pick from twin network options in OctoberGemini to pick from twin network options in October
byGary Howard
Sep 10, 2024
2 Min Read
thumbnail
Containers
Standalone MSC network to offer Suez and Cape routesStandalone MSC network to offer Suez and Cape routes
byGary Howard
Sep 9, 2024
1 Min Read
Latest News
VIEW ALL
Sep 18 - Sep 19, 2024
Connecting global maritime and logistics professionals in Saudi Arabia.
learn more
Recent Podcasts