National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri), a leader in logistics and transportation, said that it was honoured at the recently concluded All India Maritime and Logistics Awards (Mala) 2016, the leading awards programme for India’s maritime industry.

Bahri was named the ‘Shipping Line of the Year – Break Bulk Operator’ at the event. The company beat out several domestic and international shipping companies operating in India to claim the coveted honour, said a statement from the company.

Captain Jiten Bhosale, country manager – India, Bahri, received the award at a ceremony held in Mumbai, India, and which was attended by leading officials of the Indian maritime industry as well as key policymakers and regulators, it said.

Hosted by Exim India annually, Mala has emerged as the authoritative recognition of quality service, best practices and innovation in the various segments of the maritime and logistics sector. Winners are selected by a jury comprising experienced industry professionals and thought leaders.

The win represents a major triumph for Bahri India, which is emerging as a player to reckon with in the domestic maritime industry, linking India with key global markets along the Gulf, Red Sea, the Mediterranean and the US via a fast and reliable liner service comprising a fleet of six newly-built RoCon vessels, it added.

The service also helps connect the country to Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean via internationally recognised transhipment hubs, it stated.

Matthew Luckhurst, liner director, Bahri General Cargo, said: “The maritime sector in India has vast potential for growth and as far as Bahri’s involvement is concerned, we believe we are still only scratching the surface on what we can do to accelerate industry growth.”

“We are very excited about the opportunities arising in the Indian maritime landscape and we look forward to playing a larger role in shaping its future course,” he said.

Bhosale added: “We are honoured to be recognised as the best-performing break bulk operator in India.”

“The award is a showcase of our company’s commitment to its clients and its ability to deliver consistent high-quality service, which has earned us the trust and confidence of all stakeholders in the maritime industry,” he added.

Set up in 2000, Bahri India works with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tata, Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, Atlas Copco, and JCB for moving cargo exports out of India.

Bahri also works with its partner HöeghAutoliners for shipment of Volkswagen units to Veracruz, Mexico, it stated.

Bahri India is actively involved in the shipment of high and heavy equipment, serving a growing roster of clients that includes General Electric, Crompton Greaves, Larsen & Toubro, Godrej, Siemens, and Thermax, it added. – TradeArabia News Service