Bahri likely to start initial operation of first floating desalination barge in Q2 2023

Logo of National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri)

The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) expects the initial operation of the first floating desalination barge, near Al Shuqaiq Port, on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, to start in Q2 2023, according to a statement to Tadawul. 
 

Commercial operation is set to begin in H2 2023. 
 

The delay in operation kick-off was due to the recommissioning of the barge at a new location based on the client's request, said the company. 
 

It added that there is no material financial impact, noting that any further developments regarding the project will be announced later. 
 

Bahri announced, in January 2022, starting the trial commissioning of the barge. The project was slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2022. 
 

According to data compiled by Argaam, Bahri signed, in December 2019, a SAR 760 million agreement with Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) to transfer desalinated water from mobile water floating stations to desalination tanks. The 20-year project was expected to commence operation in Q1 2021.