A host of famous shipping faces were invited to the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, on Sunday for a select chief executives first-of-its-kind meeting on the eve of Bahri Week in Dubai.
Saudi shipping giant Bahri dubbed the gathering “the first Riyadh Reception” and said it was “pleased to host its partners and clients from around the world with the aim of strengthening relationships and discussing fruitful collaboration opportunities in maritime transport and logistics services”.
Guests included big-name shipowners such as Greece’s Evangelos Marinakis, Michael Lykiardopulo and George Procopiou of Dynacom; Lois Zabrocky from International Seaways; and Okeanis Eco Tankers and Kyklades Maritime principal Ioannis Alafouzos, who were welcomed by Bahri chief executive Ahmed Alsubaey.
Tankers International chief executive Charlie Grey was visible in the mix on a clip posted by Bahri.
There were also faces from the broking world: Clarksons chief executive Andi Case and his Arrow Shipping & Energy counterpart, Jeremy Palin, were in the room.
But key among the guests were Saudi investor investment authorities.
National carrier Bahri is hungry for tonnage as Saudi Arabia extends its capabilities into other energy sectors.
It snapped up nine VLCCs from Capital Maritime & Trading this summer in a $1bn deal.
To date in 2024, Bahri is estimated to have spent about $1.6bn on 13 VLCCs, a multipurpose heavylift ship, an ultramax bulker and two product tankers.
Bahri said the Riyadh delegation was also introduced to Saudi Arabia’s capabilities and the cultural landmarks of the capital during a tour of its key areas.
Many of those attending have now shifted to Dubai for the event-packed Bahri Week.
