Connecting Continents, Cultures, and Cargo

About us

The world is changed by examples. At Folk Maritime, we strive to set one that will inspire positive change globally.

As a Saudi company, Folk Maritime has developed a strong ambition over the past year to establish an efficient independent feeder operator in the region. We have evolved to offer NVOCC services and create new trade lanes, ultimately offering comprehensive end-to-end shipping solutions. Our relentless commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective, and customer-centric solutions to mainline shippers reflects our leadership in aiming to redefine the future of the feeder shipping industry. Folk Maritime draws its name from the Arabic word for traditional wooden boats, anchoring us in the region's rich maritime heritage. We acknowledge this heritage in all that we do, down to our semaphore logo which features geometric shapes reminiscent of traditional Arabic motifs.

Strategic location at the heart of global trade routes, supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics hub

Enhanced supply chain transparency and reliability through agile local and regional connectivity

Committed to sustainable shipping practices, in alignment with the IMO's target of 40% Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction by 2030

Efficiency steers our endeavors, charting the course for groundbreaking industry standards

Our vessels, schedules, and routes are customized to meet the unique preferences of our customers

Dedicated to advancing skills, employment, and career growth within the maritime sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Building a Global Logistics Hub through Transformative Transport Initiatives

Folk Maritime spearheads the journey towards positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. Leveraging the country's distinctive geographic advantage in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, our strategic endeavors intend to improve connectivity, optimize logistics efficiency, and reinforce sector capabilities. We are committed to maritime sustainability adhering with the IMO's target of 40% GHG reduction by 2030, as well supporting transformative technologies and the uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels. As a leading regional player in maritime feeder services, we actively strive to increase private sector participation in industries reliant on seamless logistics. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, our commitment extends to enhancing export, re-export, and domestic cargo volumes building a prosperous and influential future for the nation.

Our Mission

To deliver flexible and reliable solutions for our customers and create value for our shareholders while supporting the development of the logistics ecosystem within Kingdom Saudi Arabia and across the region.

Our Vision

To be the leading feeder and short-sea service provider in the Middle East and the surrounding region, further strengthening Kingdom Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

Our Values

Folk Maritime is a dynamic, innovative, and reliable logistics company committed to advancing Saudi Arabia’s transportation and logistics ambitions through continuous progress and consistent delivery.

Embodying a spirit of resolve, we represent a firm commitment to achieving our objectives.

We strive to exceed customer expectations and deliver exceptional results.

With a forward-thinking approach and meticulous attention to detail, we are prepared to tackle any challenges head-on.

We aim to elevate standards and explore new methods to enhance value for our customers.

We continually strive to provide excellent service, fostering trust, and enriching the overall customer experience.

We guide our customers to success with practical and adaptable solutions that meet their unique needs.

We are committed to maritime decarbonization and intend to implement sustainable solutions that mitigate the environmental impacts of our activity.

Meet our leaders

Our dedicated and inspiring leaders have charted a transformative path, inviting us to join their shared endeavors.

Our team

Executive management team

Poul Hestbaek

Chief Executive Officer

Poul Hestbaek

Chief Executive Officer

Poul Hestbaek is a seasoned maritime industry leader, bringing a wealth of experience to Folk Maritime. Poul comes to Folk Maritime after many years at Hamburg Süd, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer, directing business operations across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. For the last two years, he served as CEO. Poul has an all-round maritime background and a master mariner before receiving his Master’s Degree in Shipping, Trade, and Finance from Cass Business School in London. Poul has lived and worked in North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia. His expertise and global perspective position him well to lead and establish Folk Maritime as a regional asset for the industry.

Saleem Kadernani

Chief Commercial Officer

Saleem Kadernani

Chief Commercial Officer

Saleem Kadernani, a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience spanning maritime, logistics, and infrastructure sectors, assumes the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Folk Maritime. Previously serving as Director at ARK Logistics & Maritime, Saleem brings extensive strategic leadership experience from senior positions in the MENA region and beyond. Holding a Master's Degree in Business Administration focusing on Shipping and Maritime from Copenhagen Business School, Saleem combines academic prowess with practical insights, poised to contribute significantly to Folk's growth and success in the evolving landscape of maritime transport.

Khalid Fawzi

Chief Financial Officer

Khalid Fawzi

Chief Financial Officer

Khalid Fawzi, an accomplished financial leader, is Folk Maritime's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With a substantial background in financial leadership across diverse sectors, Khalid has held significant roles as CFO in leading Saudi Arabian corporations. Notably, he has been crucial in driving transformative initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, showcasing his strategic foresight. Khalid holds a Master's Degree in Professional Account, Accounting, and Finance from King Abdulaziz University, reflecting his strong academic foundation. His appointment as CFO underscores Folk Maritime's commitment to financial excellence and strategic leadership.

Abdulrahman AlShangith

Chief Human Resources Officer

Abdulrahman AlShangith

Chief Human Resources Officer

Abdulrahman AlShangithi, formerly the Executive Director of Human Capital and Business Development at Dussur, is now the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHR) at Folk Maritime. His extensive tenure and strategic role at Dussur and board memberships at renowned companies in Saudi Arabia contribute to his leadership skills in HR and business development. Abdulrahman holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, General from King Faisal University, enhancing his capabilities with a solid academic foundation.

Mohamed Badawy

Chief Operating Officer

Mohamed Badawy

Chief Operating Officer

Mohamed Badawy is a seasoned maritime industry leader with over twenty-four years of experience, specializing in regional and global maritime operations. As the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Folk Maritime, Mohamed brings a wealth of expertise garnered from various senior leadership positions in renowned shipping companies such as Hapag-Lloyd AG and United Arab Shipping Company Ltd.With a background as Master Mariner and extensive experience in Ship, port & terminal operation, fleet management, fleet new build and mergers and acquisitions, Mohamed is well-equipped to drive operational excellence within Folk Maritime. His strategic vision and proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency make him an invaluable asset to the company's growth.Mohamed's educational background includes an Executive MBA from Hult Business School, with a specialization in management, and executive education from London Business School. He is also a proud fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and a fellow member of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.As a key driver of Folk Maritime's strategic growth and operational evolution, Mohamed is poised to lead the company strategic growth and modern operational evolution.

Folk Maritime Contributes to Global Sustainability Goals

We aim to minimize our carbon footprint and implement sustainable solutions that mitigate the environmental impacts of our activity.

Leading Feeder Operator Providing Flexible Solutions and Creating Value for Our Stakeholders

Complying with IMO regulations, we uphold high sustainability standards, incorporating innovation into product development, and fostering a workforce-centric approach.

Driving Change through Educational Programs for an Empowered Community

We nurture local talent and promote careers in the maritime industry, aligning with our commitment to CSR initiatives.

Stakeholders relations

At Folk, we see our stakeholders as partners in progress and value their insights, feedback, and collaboration. We cultivate deep partnerships underpinned by an ethos of transparency and a drive for a shared future of prosperity. Whether an investor, a customer, or a community member, the involvement of our stakeholders shapes our journey and enables our bold vision.