Transport authority raises Saudi flag on Bahri’s fifth VLCC

Saudi Arabia’s Public Transport Authority (PTA) on Thursday raised the Kingdom’s flag on Shaden, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) owned and operated by Tadawul-listed National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri), official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ali Al-Harbi, acting chief executive of Bahri, said that the addition of the new fifth crude carrier this year comes as part of the company’s plans to expand its growing Saudi fleet and reinforce its position as the world’s largest owner and operator of VLCCs.

The company is well positioned to access new markets, strengthen its presence in the countries where it operates and enhance the scope and breadth of its services in the global shipping industry, Al-Harbi added.

Last October, Bahri took delivery of the fifth VLCC from South Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Argaam reported.

Bahri’s current fleet comprises 88 vessels including 41 VLCCs and additional five more vessels are planned for delivery next year.