Folk Maritime and Middle East Logistics High Institute (MELI) announce MoU to Explore Maritime Training Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; December 16, 2024: Folk Maritime Services Company, a PIF company and one of the region’s emerging leaders in providing regional liner and feeder services, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Middle East Logistics High Institute for Training (MELI) to explore opportunities for enhancing specialized maritime training for Saudi nationals.

The MoU announced yesterday at the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference in Riyadh establishes a framework for MELI to become Folk Maritime’s Knowledge and Training Partner. Under this MoU, both parties will explore the development and delivery of tailored maritime training programs aimed at fresh graduates and experienced professionals, aligning on the goal to create a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the Kingdom’s maritime sector.

The partnership reflects Folk Maritime’s commitment to supporting the workforce development goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in its efforts to build a globally competitive logistics hub. Through these potential training initiatives, Folk Maritime and MELI aim to equip Saudi nationals with the skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving maritime industry.

MELI, based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is a leading educational institution specializing in logistics and supply chain management training and a subsidiary of Almajdouie Holding company. The institute partners with industry leaders to deliver comprehensive, practical training programs designed to develop local talent and support the Kingdom’s ambitions of becoming a global logistics hub.

Poul Hestbaek, Chief Executive Officer of Folk Maritime, noted: “This MoU with MELI opens the door for collaboration on specialized maritime training programs. Through these initiatives, we hope to contribute to strengthening the local talent pool and empowering the next generation of Saudi professionals in the global maritime industry. Folk Maritime is dedicated to supporting the growth and sustainability of the maritime sector, in alignment with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.”

Amer Badarneh, General Manager of MELI, added: “We are excited about the potential of this partnership with Folk Maritime. This MoU represents a significant step toward strengthening the capabilities of Saudi professionals in the logistics and maritime industries. Through our joint efforts, we hope to create valuable opportunities for participants, helping them excel in the global market.”

The collaboration enables the two organizations to explore ways to cooperate on designing training curricula, delivering courses, and map out selection processes for training participants, aiming for the MoU to lead to a more formalized partnership.

For more information about Folk Maritime, please visit https://folkmaritime.com

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About Folk Maritime

Folk Maritime Services Company, a Public Investment Fund company, was established in 2023, with the mission to connect regional ports seamlessly, and catalyse trade across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and East Africa.

Its strategic goal is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global logistics hub, underlining the Kingdom’s premier position in leading multiple high-growth industrial sectors.

Offering regional liner and feeder services, Folk Maritime is creating new trade lanes and delivering end-to-end shipping solutions, connecting key transshipment routes in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and beyond, by delivering cost-effective and efficient logistics services that will drive transformational trade growth.

Through neutral feeder operations, the company seamlessly links smaller ports to larger hubs, while also offering end-to-end shipping solutions for cargo owners.