Folk Maritime & ICS ME sign MOU at Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress

The partnership aims to deliver specialised maritime training for Saudi nationals, encompassing both fresh graduates and seasoned professionals and together are committed to developing a strong talent pool to support the Kingdom’s rapidly growing maritime industry.

Signed by Poul Hestbaek, CEO, Folk Maritime and Capt Zarir S. Irani FICS, in his capacity as ICS ME - Networking and Business Lead, the signing took place at Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress which ends today (19th September) at Dhahran Expo, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Ali Canani, FICS, Chairman, ICS Middle East branch (Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers), commented:
"This MoU with Folk Maritime is an exciting step forward for maritime training in Saudi Arabia. Our joint efforts will ensure that Saudi professionals are not only prepared to meet the demands of a growing industry but also to lead in shaping its future."
Across Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress, several other MOUs were signed across a busy two days which was already recording a record number of attendees by the end of Day 1.  These included: Transport General Authority & the Eastern Province Municipality, as well as Transport General Authority & THE RIG.

In other highlights, Seatrade Maritime Group Director, Chris Morley, took to the stage to present the second major Seatrade Maritime Award of the event – the Seatrade Maritime Global Performer Award, sponsored by CCS.

Related:Saudi Arabia well-positioned in maritime transition - ABS

“This has been a category within our awards programmes for many years with key organisations and individuals around the world winning the accolade which is nominated by the community and selected by the Editorial Board of Seatrade Maritime.

“This year, we chose an individual who added courage to his passion for community and collaboration when he prioritised safety at sea. His actions represented the courage to make quick decisions and pursue a distressed vessel call. He had the courage and conviction to divert his own vessel and in doing so, save the lives of others. It’s exactly the attitude and behaviour that true global success and performance relies upon.”

The award was presented by CCS General Manager – UAE & Middle East, Chen Jiping to winner, Captain Krzysztof Zydowicz.

Another highlight which took place on the eve of the event was the latest Seatrade Maritime Club high-level round table. Moderated by Club ambassadors, Fazel Fazelbhoy, CEO, Synergy Offshore and Elpi Petraki, President, WISTA International, the focal points of discussion were ‘adjusting to trade lane disruption in the Red Sea’ and ‘Recruitment, retention and Saudisation’ – topics that lead into the conference agenda.

According to Karen Attia, Head of Seatrade Maritime Club: “The Club round tables are now a firm feature of Seatrade Maritime events globally and bring together some of the industry’s most senior stakeholders from the government and ship owning communities to have open, frank discussions ahead of the events.”

In agreement was Asyad Group’s Ahmed Al Bulushi, Chief Executive Asset Management, who was quoted as saying: “This Congress is more than an event; it serves as a vital nexus where decision-makers, innovators, and stakeholders in the logistics and maritime sectors converge to explore new frontiers and shape the future of global trade. With the GCC accounting for 30% of the world’s container traffic, the region plays a critical role in steering the intricacies of today’s logistics landscape. Asyad Group's participation highlights our dedication to advancing innovation, building strategic alliances, and fostering sustainable growth within the sector.”

The fifth edition of the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress - sponsored by His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser – ends today (19th September) at the Dhahran Exhibition Centre, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The two-day event was held with Founding Partners, Bahri and Seatrade Maritime; main partners, The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and the Transport General Authority (TGA), as well as strategic partners, Saudi Aramco and IMI.