The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) has announced the enrollment of its vessels in the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 program.
Less than 10% of the ships that call at US ports meet QUALSHIP 21 eligibility requirements.
Valid for three years, the QUALSHIP 21 enrollment provides Bahri with benefits which include limited oversight when calling at US ports – translating to less delays and faster clearance and delivery of goods for clients – as well as enhanced market credibility from being an approved operator.
“Most of the privileges the QUALSHIP certification confers on Bahri – such as being subject to fewer and less stringent controls at US ports and reduced likelihood of unannounced inspections – directly benefit our customers, who can look forward to receiving their cargo safe and early,” said Ibrahim Al Omar, CEO of Bahri.
Bahri currently owns 83 vessels including 36 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), 36 chemical/product tankers, 6 multipurpose vessels and 5 dry-bulk carriers, with additional 10 VLCCs on order.