Shipping Arabia, October 28, 2026 – Saudi shipping company Bahri has signed a contract worth approximately SAR 1.692 billion with International Maritime Industries (IMI) to build three new Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) in Saudi Arabia. The agreement will expand Bahri’s tanker fleet while supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to localize shipbuilding and strengthen its maritime industrial capabilities under Saudi Vision 2030.
The contract brings the total number of vessels Bahri has commissioned for construction in Saudi Arabia to nine, comprising six Ultramax bulk carriers and three VLCCs. The investment forms part of the company’s strategy to improve operational efficiency, strengthen its shipping capabilities and support the long-term sustainability of its business.
Three New 320,000-DWT VLCCs to Expand Bahri’s Fleet
Under the agreement, International Maritime Industries will construct three new crude oil tankers, each with a deadweight capacity of 320,000 DWT. The vessels will incorporate advanced energy-efficiency technologies as part of Bahri’s fleet modernization and expansion plans.
According to Bahri, the newbuild VLCCs will enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen its ability to respond to evolving requirements across global energy and maritime markets.
The investment also reflects Bahri’s focus on developing a modern tanker fleet capable of supporting its long-term commercial and operational objectives. By incorporating energy-efficient technologies into the new vessels, the company aims to improve operational performance while supporting the sustainability of its shipping business.
The three VLCCs represent the tanker component of Bahri’s nine-vessel shipbuilding commitments in Saudi Arabia. The remaining six vessels are Ultramax bulk carriers, extending the company’s domestic newbuilding activities across both crude oil transportation and dry bulk shipping.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Shipbuilding Industry and Vision 2030
Beyond fleet expansion, the SAR 1.692 billion contract represents a further commitment to developing Saudi Arabia’s domestic maritime manufacturing capabilities.
By commissioning International Maritime Industries to construct the three tankers, Bahri is supporting the localization of shipbuilding activities and the development of maritime supply chains within the Kingdom.
The agreement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the ambition to establish a globally competitive maritime industrial ecosystem.
According to Bahri, strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities is an important part of supporting Saudi Arabia’s maritime industrial development. The company also emphasized the role of local maritime supply chains in achieving the Kingdom’s long-term industrial ambitions.
The nine vessels commissioned for construction in Saudi Arabia demonstrate Bahri’s commitment to combining fleet development with domestic industrial investment.
Through the latest VLCC contract, Bahri aims to strengthen its position in global maritime transportation while contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia’s shipbuilding sector and its broader maritime economy.
Source: Bahri
