Bahri has joined an elite group of operators to be accredited – less than 10% of the ships that call at US ports meet the stringent Qualship 21 quality and safety requirements which are designed to identify high-quality foreign-flagged vessels operating in US.
Valid for three years, the Qualship 21 enrolment rewards Bahri with a number of benefits including limited oversight when calling at US ports.
Bahri ceo Ibrahim Al Omar says the certification will translate into less delays and faster clearance and delivery of goods for clients – as well as enhanced market credibility for the Saudi shipping and logistics giant.
“We are proud that a sizeable number of vessels from our North American fleet have been recognised as adhering to one of the industry’s most exacting quality standards,” said Al Omar.
“Being awarded Qualship 21 status adds a further layer of trust for our clients who can be assured of stringent cargo security and total peace of mind when shipping with Bahri.
“Most of the privileges the Qualship certification confers on Bahri, such as being subject to fewer and less stringent controls at US ports and reduced likelihood of unannounced inspections, directly benefit our customers…
“This provides us with a terrific competitive edge, and will help strengthen our position as a preferred shipping partner as customers weighing between two identical carriers will naturally opt for the one that has an international seal of approval.”
Established in 1978, Bahri has five business units including transportation of crude oil, oil products, chemical, bulk and general cargo as well as ship management. The Saudi company is the second largest owner of VLCCs in the world and the largest owner of chemical tankers in the Middle East.
Bahri currently operates a fleet of 83 vessels including 36 VLCCs, 36 chemical/product tankers, 6 multipurpose vessels and 5 dry-bulk carriers with additional 10 VLCCs on order.
It employs 2,400 (including sea staff) people across its global network of offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India and the US.
