Folk Maritime Partners with Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers to Strengthen Specialised Maritime Training for Saudi Nationals

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; September 19, 2024: Folk Maritime Services Company, a PIF company and one of the region’s emerging leaders in providing regional liner and feeder services, has joined hands with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Middle East Chapter (ICS ME), to drive specialised maritime sector training in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Folk Maritime signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICS ME to provide maritime training for Folk Maritime’s Saudi nationals, including fresh graduates and experienced professionals. This will contribute to helping create a strong talent pool of Saudi-based talent to serve the industry.

The agreement was signed by xx of Folk Maritime and xx of ICS ME at the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress in Dammam. As per the agreement, ICS ME will serve as Folk Maritime’s Knowledge and Training Partner, underlining Folk’s commitment to creating new opportunities and upskilling Saudi talent to support its fast-growing feeder and liner services.

Announcing the agreement, Folk Maritime’s Chief Executive Officer, Poul Hestbaek, said:

To build a strong and sustainable maritime industry in the Kingdom, it is important to nurture and train Saudi national talent. Through this agreement, we are aligning our priorities to meet Saudi Arabia’s goal, under Vision 2030, to evolve as a global logistics hub, by helping to create a strong talent pool of Saudi professionals for the industry. It also reinforces our focus on upskilling our Saudi team members. Our is a fast-growing industry, our goal is to bring many Saudi nationals – young women and men, and build their capacity, and enable them to contribute to the global maritime sector.

With the support of Folk, ICS ME will drive the development and delivery of the courses, while both entities will work together to select participants and evaluate the effectiveness of the training. The agreement underlines Folk Maritime’s dedication to supporting Vision 2030 by focusing on job creation and preparing Saudi nationals for advancing their careers in the maritime industry.

"This MoU with Folk Maritime is an exciting step forward for maritime training in Saudi Arabia. Our joint efforts will ensure that Saudi professionals are not only prepared to meet the demands of a growing industry but also to lead in shaping its future. We look forward to delivering high-quality training that will drive excellence and innovation within the maritime sector." - Ali Canani, Chairman, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Middle East Chapter

Promoting excellence in commercial shipping education worldwide for over 113 years, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) is a global organization dedicated to advancing high standards in ship broking, ship management, and all related fields of maritime business. Through rigorous education, examinations leading to membership, and specialized training, the ICS ensures the highest levels of professionalism. Authorized by Royal Charter, the ICS is the only global institute authorized to conduct examinations and award the professional qualification of MICS. For more information, visit www.ics.org.uk.

Established 30 years ago, the Middle East branch of ICS is among the most active globally, boasting over 250 members engaged in various segments of the shipping industry. The branch regularly hosts networking sessions, master classes, workshops, and bespoke training programs throughout the region. Additionally, it provides comprehensive support for students preparing for ICS exams. For more details, visit www.icsmiddleeast.org.

At the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress, Poul Hestbaek, participated in the “Maritime Think Tank” panel discussion, exploring how Saudi Arabia’s innovations can influence global maritime practices and address future industry challenges.