Maritime Services

Shipping Arabia, October 31, 2026 – The Libyan Chamber of Shipping held a meeting with representatives of shipping agencies in Tripoli on October 27 to discuss challenges facing the maritime sector, regulatory matters and opportunities to strengthen cooperation. The meeting focused on improving shipping services and developing operational procedures to support Libya’s maritime transport industry.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Transportation headquarters in Tripoli. It was chaired by Abdelnasser Shubar, Chairman of the Chamber’s Management Committee, alongside Deputy Chairman Salem Al-Ramali and Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ali Arhim.

Representatives of shipping agencies participated in discussions covering operational difficulties, industry coordination and the need for stronger communication between maritime stakeholders.

Addressing Challenges Facing Shipping Agencies in Libya

The Libyan Chamber of Shipping reviewed the main challenges and difficulties affecting shipping agencies and discussed possible approaches to improving working conditions across the sector.

Participants examined ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Chamber and shipping agencies. The discussions also addressed the development of working procedures to improve maritime services and support the efficiency of shipping operations in Libya.

The Chamber emphasized the importance of maintaining direct engagement with shipping agencies to better understand their operational concerns and identify priorities for sector development.

The meeting formed part of the Chamber’s continuing efforts to encourage cooperation among maritime stakeholders and coordinate initiatives that serve the interests of Libya’s maritime transport industry.

Strengthening Industry Consultation on Maritime Regulations

A key focus of the meeting was the importance of involving shipping agencies in discussions concerning legislation and regulations issued by the Libyan government.

The Chamber highlighted its commitment to collecting observations, feedback and proposals from shipping agencies regarding regulatory measures affecting their activities.

This consultation aims to strengthen communication between industry representatives and the Chamber while ensuring that the practical concerns of shipping agencies receive appropriate attention.

The discussions also emphasized the need to coordinate efforts among maritime stakeholders and develop a more collaborative approach to addressing regulatory and operational challenges.

Through continued engagement with shipping agencies, the Libyan Chamber of Shipping seeks to strengthen industry cooperation, improve the quality of maritime services and support the development of the country’s maritime transport sector.

Source: Libyan Chamber of Shipping

Shipping Arabia, October 21, 2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd. has officially introduced FMH Marine Services as its new brand identity at the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026. Effective October 20, the rebranding marks a new phase in the company’s development as it seeks to strengthen its market positioning, expand its maritime and logistics capabilities, and support its long-term growth strategy.

The FMH Marine Services brand identity reflects the company’s ambition to build on its established operations while pursuing new commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector. The company confirmed that the change represents a new corporate brand identity, while its registered company and legal entity remain unchanged.

The announcement also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s wider economic transformation, including ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure and international trade development.

FMH Marine Services Builds on Nearly Four Decades of Operations

Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd. has operated continuously in Saudi Arabia since 1988, providing maritime and logistics services across all ports in the Kingdom.

The company’s service portfolio includes ship agency, special project cargo handling, customs clearance, supply and procurement, and logistics support. Through these activities, FMH provides customers with a single point of contact for various maritime and logistics requirements.

The introduction of FMH Marine Services reflects the company’s intention to further develop these capabilities while strengthening its commercial relationships and pursuing new partnerships.

According to the company’s announcement, the rebranding extends beyond a visual identity change. It represents a broader strategy to enhance service capabilities, strengthen operations, improve the customer experience, and reinforce FMH’s position within Saudi Arabia’s maritime and logistics industry.

The company also aims to build on its existing business foundations while adapting to opportunities arising from the Kingdom’s expanding maritime infrastructure and growing international trade activities.

Rebranding Supports Growth Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030

The FMH Marine Services rebranding comes as the company positions itself to participate in Saudi Arabia’s evolving maritime and logistics landscape.

Its strategic direction focuses on strengthening operational capabilities, developing commercial partnerships, and supporting customers across the shipping and logistics sectors.

The company views Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and maritime infrastructure investments as important elements of its long-term development strategy.

Commenting on the announcement, Abdulaziz Higgi, Managing Director of FMH, said:

“FMH’s new brand identity represents an important step in our company’s evolution in the local and international markets. We are proud of the foundations on which the business has been built and of the relationships we have developed over the years. As we look ahead, our objective is to build on that heritage with a clear vision, stronger capabilities and an even greater commitment to our clients and partners.”

Strengthening FMH’s Maritime and Logistics Presence

The launch of the FMH Marine Services brand identity represents the beginning of a new chapter for the Saudi maritime services provider.

While retaining its existing legal structure, the company aims to reinforce its corporate identity and strengthen its role in the Kingdom’s maritime and logistics market.

Its development strategy includes expanding service capabilities, improving operational performance, and building stronger relationships with clients and industry partners.

Through these initiatives, FMH seeks to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional and international maritime and logistics hub.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to serving customers and partners while continuing to develop its maritime and logistics services across Saudi Arabian ports.

Source: FMH Marine Services

Shipping Arabia, October 12, 2026 – Oman’s Asyad Drydock completed 130 projects and attracted 56 new international clients during the first eight months of 2026, bringing its total commercial client base to approximately 900 worldwide. The results highlight Duqm’s growing role as a maritime services and industrial hub, supported by specialized ship repair facilities and integration with the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

The Asyad Group subsidiary completed 119 vessel repair and maintenance projects and 11 industrial projects during the reporting period. According to Asyad Drydock CEO Ahmed bin Ali Al Balushi, approximately 40% of the new clients came from markets in the Middle East and Far East.

The company’s expanding international customer base reflects the development of Duqm’s maritime services sector, which connects ship repair facilities with port services and industrial activities.

Asyad Drydock Sets New Operational Records

Asyad Drydock achieved several operational milestones during 2026, including a new record for concurrent vessel berthing during maintenance operations. The company completed 10 double-berthing maintenance operations for the first time, positioning two vessels side by side at the quay and servicing them simultaneously.

According to Al Balushi, this approach improved quay utilization and enabled the facility to handle more maintenance projects in parallel. It also allowed the company to make more efficient use of its existing infrastructure.

In another operational milestone, Asyad Drydock conducted maintenance and repair work on 27 vessels simultaneously. This achievement demonstrated the facility’s capacity to manage multiple projects while coordinating its technical workforce and repair operations.

Floating Dock Activity Expands as Shipbuilding Projects Advance

The company’s floating dock also recorded a substantial increase in activity during the reporting period. By the end of August 2026, the facility had serviced 13 vessels, compared with just two during the corresponding period in 2025.

The increased utilization of the floating dock has strengthened Asyad Drydock’s vessel maintenance capabilities and expanded its ability to accommodate repair projects.

Meanwhile, the company continues to develop its shipbuilding activities alongside its established repair and maintenance operations.

Asyad Drydock is currently undertaking two new shipbuilding projects for different applications. These projects follow the successful completion and delivery of three shipbuilding projects to customers in Oman and other Gulf markets in recent years.

The combination of vessel maintenance, industrial projects and shipbuilding activities forms part of the broader maritime services ecosystem developing in Duqm.

OMR 19 Million in Contracts Supports Omani Businesses

The expansion of Asyad Drydock’s operations is also generating business opportunities for local companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

During the first eight months of 2026, the company awarded contracts and purchase orders worth OMR 6.5 million to SMEs. Local companies received a further OMR 12.5 million in contracts and purchase orders.

Together, these awards totaled OMR 19 million, with local procurement accounting for 81% of the overall value of contracts awarded during the reporting period.

Al Balushi said the company’s expanding activities were strengthening domestic supply chains and creating additional opportunities for Omani businesses involved in ship repair, maintenance, shipbuilding and related industries.

The contract awards also reflect the growing participation of Omani companies in the maritime services and industrial activities associated with the Duqm facility.

Duqm Strengthens Its Position as an Integrated Maritime Hub

Asyad Drydock’s performance forms part of the continuing development of maritime services and industries within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

The area’s maritime ecosystem combines port services, ship repair and maintenance facilities, shipbuilding operations and related industrial activities. This integration supports the delivery of specialized maritime services to international vessels and fleets.

Al Balushi said the continued development of these services was helping Duqm attract maritime business from international markets.

The company’s project activity, operational achievements and investment in local supply chains underline the role of ship repair and shipbuilding in Duqm’s expanding maritime economy.

Source: Oman Observer

Shipping Arabia, September 25, 2026 – Suez Canal traffic continued to recover in August, with 1,358 vessels carrying 68.3 million net tonnes through the waterway as monthly revenue climbed 56.7% year-on-year to $567.1 million.

Suez Canal Authority Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee announced the figures during Egypt’s World Maritime Day 2026 event in Alexandria, saying navigation through the canal remains regular and marine services are operating at full readiness.

August vessel transits increased 27% from 1,070 ships a year earlier, while net tonnage rose 51.1% from 45.2 million tonnes. Revenue increased from $326 million in August 2025 to $567.1 million this year.

Rabiee said recent navigational reports point to improving traffic levels following the disruption to global shipping and supply chains caused by regional and international developments in recent years.

Alongside efforts to support the recovery of canal traffic, the SCA is expanding its maritime services and industrial activities as part of a strategy to diversify revenue beyond transit fees.

The authority has been developing its shipyards and affiliated companies to expand the domestic construction of marine units while pursuing private-sector partnerships and international markets.

Its growing portfolio of services includes shipbuilding and repair, bunkering, marine ambulance services and crew changes, providing additional support to vessels during their Suez transits.

The SCA is also expanding its involvement in port development and maritime training outside Egypt. Rabiee highlighted the authority’s participation in the redevelopment and reopening of Sirte Port in Libya after 14 years of closure, while its Maritime Training and Simulation Academy has modeled Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al-Khair Port.

The authority is also negotiating work involving the simulation of two ports in Namibia, alongside training programmes for pilots and tug masters.

The latest traffic figures add to signs of a gradual recovery in Suez Canal activity as shipping lines reassess longer Cape of Good Hope diversions and selected services return to the Red Sea-Suez route.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, September 21, 2026 – Egypt’s Suez and Red Sea Chamber of Shipping has called for stronger coordination across the maritime community as shipping companies and service providers navigate operational challenges and changing conditions affecting the sector.

The chamber reviewed its activities during its ordinary general assembly, chaired by Rear Adm. Abdel Qader Gaballah, with the participation of members including Capt. Mohamed Naguib, Chairman of Flex Shipping Agencies and Yacht Tourism.

The meeting reviewed the chamber’s board report, financial statements and final accounts for the financial years ending June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026, alongside its proposed budget for 2026/2027. Members also considered amendments to parts of the chamber’s financial regulations and membership-related matters.

Following the formal agenda, shipping industry representatives discussed problems and operational challenges facing chamber members and the wider maritime community, with the meeting providing a platform for companies to raise concerns and propose practical solutions.

Gaballah said closer coordination between the chamber and its members would be increasingly important in addressing challenges facing the sector, emphasizing continued dialogue and collective discussion of issues affecting maritime businesses.

Naguib similarly stressed the importance of cooperation between shipping companies, the chamber and relevant authorities to create a more efficient operating environment capable of responding to changes affecting maritime transport.

He said greater coordination would support the competitiveness of Egyptian ports and Egypt’s position as a regional and international hub for trade, maritime transport and marine services.

The discussions come as Egypt continues expanding port and logistics infrastructure while seeking to strengthen the competitiveness of its maritime sector and the role of its ports across Mediterranean, Red Sea and Suez Canal trade routes.

Source: Almal News