The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) said it has won top recognition for its maritime achievements in the region by Forbes Middle East .

A major player in the marine sector, Bahri owns and operates a fleet of 44 vessels, besides the 10 new vessels which are to join the fleet during 2013-2014.

Saleh Al-Jasser, Bahri CEO received the award during an event organized under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Culture, Youth & Community Development in UAE, hosted by Forbes at The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, in the presence of business leaders and decision makers from various sectors.

Al-Jasser said: “We are genuinely delighted and honoured to receive this award and believe it to be a reflection of our quest for excellence in global marine transport.”

The company has expanded and diversified greatly to include business sectors that span across Oil & Gas, Chemicals, General Cargo, Dry Bulk and Ship Management.

In November 2012, Bahri had signed a deal to merge the fleet and operations of Saudi Aramco's shipping arm Vela International Marine. Bahri, which presently holds the seventh position globally in terms of VLCC fleet, will be catapulted to third position post-merger with Vela, a statement said.

Bahri was recently presented with Seatrade 2013 Global Performer Award. In November 2012, the company also received an award for the Best Managed Company in the Middle East under Transportation and Shipping sector by Euromoney. - TradeArabia News Service