Folk Marine Services Company announced on October 31, 2024, the launch of its highly anticipated “India-Arabian Gulf Service” route, strategically designed to strengthen trade and logistics between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. This new route will link vital ports in the Arabian Gulf, including Dammam and Umm Qasr, with India’s prominent commercial hubs, Nhava Sheva and Mundra. The service, expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international trade corridors.
The inaugural journey of the new service set sail from Dammam on October 30, with the vessel Asterius, which boasts a cargo capacity of 1,827 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Starting December, Folk Marine’s India-Arabian Gulf Service route will shift to a weekly schedule, ensuring a steady and reliable transport of goods. The company anticipates a surge in the flow of critical imports, including consumer goods, petrochemicals, and other essential commodities, primarily destined for Umm Qasr and other key locations within the GCC region.
The introduction of the India-Arabian Gulf Service route represents a significant milestone in the expanding partnership between Saudi Arabia and India, reflecting the two nations’ mutual commitment to strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. This initiative is expected to not only streamline the import-export processes but also enhance the efficiency of regional and international market connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
With the new route, Folk Marine Services aims to address current logistical gaps within the supply chain, offering a robust solution for businesses seeking streamlined connections between major ports. By doing so, the company aligns itself with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the country’s transformation into a global logistics hub. This service will support the national ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a pivotal player in international trade, significantly enhancing Dammam Port’s role as a regional logistics powerhouse.
A central element of this new service is Dammam Port, recognized as one of the Middle East’s top 10 ports and handling an impressive annual throughput of 2.7 million TEUs. The port serves as a critical component of regional and global supply chains, facilitating an efficient exchange of goods that strengthens economic ties within the GCC and beyond.
Folk Marine Services Company’s CEO expressed enthusiasm about the route’s launch, emphasizing that the service will enhance logistical infrastructure, facilitating smoother connections for industries, ports, and shipping lines worldwide. As the first Saudi company to offer this direct service, Folk Marine is well-positioned to further elevate Dammam Port’s status in the global shipping industry.
The India-Arabian Gulf Service is more than a logistical achievement; it is a step forward in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and global trade capabilities. Folk Marine’s latest service reflects the nation’s dedication to fostering stronger international trade relationships and advancing regional development.
This milestone marks a new era of streamlined logistics and expanded trade routes, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s strategic role as a global logistics and trade center in the 21st century.