Bahri, The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia, is a key player in the global logistics and maritime sectors. Founded in 1978 by royal decree, Bahri has grown from a regional shipping leader to a formidable name in international logistics, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions on the world stage​​.
Operating with a mission to connect economies and share prosperity, Bahri leverages its comprehensive fleet and strategic partnerships to provide essential logistics solutions across several continents. With a vision focused on sustainability and efficiency, the company is critical in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030​​.
Globally, Bahri is recognised for its expansive operations, which include transporting crude oil, chemicals, and dry bulk. With a fleet that includes very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and chemical tankers, Bahri not only supports Saudi Arabia’s core oil sector but also meets the logistical needs of a variety of industries worldwide. This diverse service offering helps stabilise global supply chains and promotes international trade​​.
The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation positions it as a leader in the transition towards greener maritime logistics. By integrating advanced technologies and stringent environmental standards, Bahri aims to reduce its carbon footprint and lead the maritime industry towards a more sustainable future.
Bahri’s strategic commitment to sustainability
At the heart of Bahri’s operations lies a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which is integral to its mission and vision. The company’s goals aim to position it as a leader in global logistics and a proactive participant in the global movement towards environmental responsibility​​.
Bahri’s vision to “create value and share prosperity by connecting economies through excellence in global logistics solutions” is complemented by a mission emphasising operational excellence to world-class standards while integrating sustainable practices.
A cornerstone of Bahri’s environmental strategy is its ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions across its entire fleet by 50% by 2050. This goal aligns with global emissions standards and supports the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) strategy to halve greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050​​.
Key sustainability initiatives
Bahri’s sustainability initiatives are comprehensive and multifaceted. They focus on technological advancements in fleet management and fostering community and employee engagement. These efforts are crucial in meeting their environmental targets and enhancing the overall sustainability of their operations.
Central to Bahri’s environmental strategy is modernising its fleet, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. This includes integrating advanced technologies such as AI-driven systems that optimise shipping routes and improve fuel efficiency. Using cutting-edge marine coatings also helps reduce the vessels’ resistance to water, further lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Bahri is expanding its fleet by adding new vessels that are significantly more environmentally friendly. These ships have the latest energy-efficient technologies, including more efficient engines, better hull designs, and systems that minimise harmful emissions.
Upholding its commitment to international standards, Bahri maintains compliance with ISO 14001:2015. The company’s proactive approach ensures continuous improvement in environmental performance across all operations.
Bahri also highly emphasises human capital development, offering training programmes to enhance skills and raise awareness about sustainability issues. These programmes are often developed in partnership with educational institutions and aim to prepare employees to handle the environmental challenges specific to the maritime and logistics industries.
Beyond its internal operations, Bahri extends its sustainability efforts to the communities it operates in. This includes supporting local environmental projects and global maritime safety initiatives. One notable initiative is its collaboration with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network, which focuses on the well-being of maritime workers worldwide​.
Economic impact and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
Bahri’s sustainability initiatives are integrated with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil, diversify the economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
Bahri’s efforts to modernise its fleet and improve operational efficiencies align with the Vision 2030 goal of creating a sustainable and diversified economy. The introduction of eco-friendly vessels and the adoption of green technologies help reduce the logistics sector’s carbon footprint, a critical component of the national economic diversification strategy.
In addition to upgrading its fleet, Bahri contributes to major infrastructural projects that are the cornerstone of Vision 2030. These include significant investments in port development and logistics parks intended to improve the Kingdom’s trade connectivity with the global market, thus reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a logistical hub between Asia, Africa, and Europe​​.
Bahri’s sustainability efforts also help stimulate the local economy by creating high-quality jobs directly and indirectly. Through its various partnerships with local institutions for training and development programmes, Bahri is preparing the Saudi workforce for the future challenges of the maritime and logistics industries while supporting the Vision 2030 objective of increasing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals​.
By adopting advanced technologies and sustainability practices, Bahri also enhances the efficiency and competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and logistics sectors globally. This not only attracts foreign investment into the KingdomKingdom but also promotes Saudi Arabia as a reliable and innovative partner in international trade​​​.
Furthermore, economic benefits come from Bahri’s commitment to environmental conservation. By reducing emissions and following global best practices in sustainability, Bahri helps mitigate the environmental impact of the Kingdom’s industrial sectors. This commitment to sustainability attracts green investments and aligns with the global shift towards environmentally responsible business practices​.
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As Bahri continues to lead by example, its efforts underscore the global potential for the maritime and logistics sectors to transition towards more sustainable operations. The company’s ongoing projects and plans will likely provide critical insights and benchmarks for sustainable practices globally.