Folk Maritime Hosts King AbdulAziz University Students onboard "Folk Jeddah"

Folk Maritime Services Company, a PIF company and a leading regional provider of liner and feeder services, organized a field tour for students from the Faculty of Maritime Studies at King Abdulaziz University onboard the specialized container vessel "Folk Jeddah" at Jeddah Islamic Port.

The tour aimed to familiarize students with advanced operational practices in the maritime transport sector.The students visited several key operational areas onboard the vessel, including:

·      Bridge: where they learned about modern navigation systems, steering control mechanisms, and communication with vessel traffic services.

·      Cargo Control Room: which oversees cargo loading/unloading operations, load balancing, and environmental monitoring for sensitive containers.

·      Engine Room: offering an in-depth look into main and auxiliary propulsion systems, energy control, and fuel efficiency technologies.

·      Safety Systems: including emergency response protocols, life-saving appliances, and onboard safety management procedures.

·      Life Support Systems: covering ventilation, water treatment, and crew welfare infrastructure.

·      Fire Protection Systems: introducing students to firefighting equipment, suppression methods, and evacuation planning.

Mr. Poul Hestbaek, CEO of Folk Maritime, stated: "Organizing this event reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility in supporting educational institutions and raising awareness about the vital maritime transport sector – a key pillar of Vision 2030." He added: "Through these tours, “We aim to contribute to preparing a qualified national workforce capable of leading the future of Saudi Arabia’s maritime industry” Dr. Faisal bin Mana Al-Saaq, Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies, stated: “Such initiatives represent a true model of integration between the education sector and the maritime industry, supporting localization and empowerment in one of the Kingdom’s most strategic sectors. Maritime transport is a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and at the Faculty, we are committed to preparing future leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and readiness to drive this industry forward. We value our partnership with Folk Maritime for turning this vision into an inspiring and practical experience.”

Students shared their impressions of the visit.

Raed Al-Shihri (Marine Engineering major) stated: “The engine room visit was an eye-opening experience. It gave us a clear view of how propulsion and power systems operate in real-time, directly linking efficiency and safety with what we study in class.” Awad Al-Rajhi (Nautical Science major) added: “Being on the bridge and reviewing safety protocols gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges ship officers face and the importance of precision in ensuring vessel and crew safety.”

The "Folk Jeddah" is part of the company's fully owned fleet. Within nearly one year of operational launch, Folk Maritime has strengthened its fleet to include 5 owned vessels and 3 chartered vessels. This expansion supports the strategic plan to increase the company-owned fleet share (both vessels and containers), reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub.