March 26 - The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri), as a part of its fleet renewal programme, has scrapped its general cargo vessel Saudi Diriyah for a sum of SAR30.3 million (USD8.04 million).
Bahri calculated, after deducting its book value and all expenses associated with the sale of the ship, a net gain of SAR19.5 million (USD5.2 million).
Bahri signed a building contract for six new general cargo vessels to replace older vessels in its fleet during 2012. The first of the newbuild multipurpose vessels ordered - Bahri Abha - was delivered in January 2013.
Bahri will add Jacksonville Port, USA to its regular liner service schedule using Bahri Abha. The vessel will connect the USA and Arabian Gulf ports. The first call at Jacksonville Port is scheduled for April 22, 2013.
Saleh Al-Jasser, Bahri ceo, commented: "The Jacksonville port possesses great cargo potential and it is a strategic port that could be added into our rotation, and structured to accommodate our new vessel's design."
Bahri's fleet of new general cargo ships will be equipped with two heavy lift cranes each capable of hauling 120 tons (108.8 tonnes). The vessels can handle ro/ro cargoes over a 250 ton (226.8 tonnes) quarter ramp. The flexible vessel design can also accommodate breakbulk commodities, project and out-of-gauge cargoes and full container loads.
www.bahri.sa
