Bahri contracts IMI to build three new vessels

Bahri, a global transportation and logistics company, has signed a SAR 1.692 bln (USD 451 mln) contract with International Maritime Industries (IMI) for the construction of three very large crude carriers (VLCCs) at IMI’s shipyard in Saudi Arabia.

Each vessel will have a capacity of 320,000 deadweight tons and feature energy-efficiency technologies. Deliveries are scheduled in phases between 2029 and 2030.

The contract is part of Bahri’s fleet modernization strategy and brings the total number of vessels it has contracted to build in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of 2026 to nine, comprising six Ultramax bulk carriers and three VLCCs.

Based in Ras Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia, IMI is a joint venture between Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri and Hyundai Heavy Industries. Once fully operational, the shipyard is expected to build up to six offshore rigs and more than 40 vessels annually, including VLCCs.