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Bahri Logistics has signed a newbuild agreement with Grandweld Shipyard for the construction of two offshore service vessels, strengthening its offshore operations at Ras Tanura Port in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement, announced on July 7, 2026, supports Bahri’s plans to expand its offshore capabilities and improve service reliability for energy and industrial clients operating around one of the world’s busiest energy hubs.
Built for Ras Tanura operations
The two vessels will be custom built for offshore activities at Ras Tanura Port, a key gateway for Saudi Arabia’s energy exports and marine logistics activity.
Bahri said the vessels are intended to give its logistics division greater flexibility and responsiveness in supporting offshore operations. In practical terms, that means helping keep vessel services moving without interruption, especially in a port environment where delays can quickly ripple through wider energy supply chains.
For operators working around offshore facilities, the smaller support vessels often do the quiet but essential work. They are not always the headline assets, but without them, the larger operation slows down. It is a little like having the right tools in a workshop. The big machines matter, but the job still depends on the equipment that keeps everything moving.
Multiple offshore support roles
Each vessel will be designed for a range of offshore support functions. These include handling vessel clearance procedures with relevant authorities, managing crew changes, supporting emergency response, providing maintenance assistance, technical support for vessels and offshore facilities, and inspection support.
Bahri said the vessels will be fitted with updated navigation, communication, and safety systems. The company said the boats will also be built to meet international maritime and environmental standards.
That broad scope is important. Offshore support vessels are often expected to switch between tasks depending on the day’s operational pressure. One moment they may support crew logistics, the next they may assist with inspection or emergency response. For energy hubs such as Ras Tanura, that flexibility is part of the value.
Delivery expected in August 2026
Delivery of the vessels is expected in August 2026, following a 12 month build timeline. Both vessels will be constructed at Grandweld Shipyard’s facility in Dubai Maritime City.
The build location gives the project a regional footprint, linking Saudi offshore logistics requirements with shipbuilding capacity in the United Arab Emirates. For Gulf energy logistics, that regional connection matters because vessel availability, yard access, and delivery schedules all influence how quickly operators can respond to offshore demand.
Bahri ties order to fleet modernisation
Bahri said the agreement forms part of its wider strategy to modernise its fleet, strengthen technical capabilities, and adopt more energy efficient and environmentally responsible vessel designs.
The company has linked the investment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, the Saudi Green Initiative, and the Kingdom’s wider economic diversification programme.
“This agreement reflects Bahri Logistics’ unwavering commitment to expanding our offshore capabilities and advancing the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure,” said Eng. Soror Basalom, President of Bahri Integrated Logistics.
“By partnering with Grandweld Shipyard, we are investing in next generation vessels that embody innovation, safety, and efficiency qualities that define Bahri’s approach to serving our clients and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.”
Offshore logistics capacity remains central
The order comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in energy, industrial, and logistics infrastructure. Ras Tanura remains central to that activity, which makes offshore support capacity a practical requirement rather than a side issue.
For Bahri Logistics, the vessels add dedicated capability for a specific operational environment. They are not general fleet additions for an unspecified market. They are being built for Ras Tanura, for offshore work, and for clients that depend on reliable marine support around energy assets.
That is where the agreement carries its weight. It is a fleet investment, but also an operational signal. Bahri is adding assets designed to serve a port and offshore ecosystem where timing, safety, and continuity are essential.
