Services for Saudi Arabia’s dynamic maritime industry

Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Tamimi, chairman of High Seas Marine & Industrial Services Co. Ltd., and Vladimir Poddubnyy, the company's CEO, talk to The Energy Year about the company’s fleet expansion to enhance services for the offshore segment and Saudi Arabia’s role in driving global energy transition initiatives. High Seas Marine is a Saudi shipping agency specialising in offshore support, marine agency, ship chandlery and technical support services tailored to the oil and gas sector.

How do you approach competition and collaboration within the Saudi maritime industry?
High Seas Marine is a powerhouse of four specialised companies working seamlessly under one umbrella, each dedicated to a specific area of marine services. From ship management, agency operations and ship chandlery to technical support, we cover every aspect of marine operations, making us the ultimate one-stop solution. For us, this isn’t just a tagline – it’s the core of how we deliver value to our clients.
We prioritise collaboration and long-term partnerships to foster mutual growth within the industry. The maritime industry in Saudi Arabia is unique; instead of cutthroat rivalries, we often find ourselves lending a hand to fellow players. That’s the beauty of this market – it’s more about partnerships and less about posturing. For us, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our secret sauce to thriving in this dynamic environment.
Saudi Arabia stands as a beacon for maritime growth and innovation, offering unmatched opportunities for businesses to thrive. At High Seas Marine, we lead with excellence, ensuring that every collaboration results in mutual success and a brighter future for the industry.

How do you see digitalisation shaping the future of the maritime industry, and what steps is your company taking in this direction?
Digitalisation is making the maritime industry more efficient and modern. Our company has proactively embraced this shift, implementing comprehensive digital systems to streamline operations. A key initiative includes the adoption of a fully paperless environment, which reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’ve also invested in advanced technologies that allow remote inspections to be conducted seamlessly. These inspections are monitored in real time, enabling us to enhance efficiency and deliver unmatched support to our clients.

What new technology are you introducing to your portfolio of services?
We are proud to introduce an advanced technology that revolutionises the way inspections are conducted. With capabilities such as 24/7 recording, cloud storage and voice-commanded reporting, it significantly reduces the reliance on paperwork. This system enhances accountability, transparency and safety while improving the quality of inspections. Over the next five years, this technology will provide a reliable database of past inspections, fostering a culture of high standards across the maritime industry.

What is your involvement with Aramco projects?
Aramco’s stringent performance standards have driven us to excel and continuously improve. From achieving compliance to significantly enhancing our performance scores, we’ve demonstrated our ability to adapt and meet demanding requirements. Our fleet operates efficiently to support Aramco’s crew services, delivering supplies quickly and effectively. Additionally, our adherence to international standards, such as IMO certification, reflects our dedication to maintaining high-quality services and expanding our capabilities.

What is the current size of your fleet, and do you plan to expand it?
Our fleet comprises eight vessels, with an additional vessel under construction and expected to join in 2025. It is a new tug boat designed for specialised tasks, including advanced diving and underwater cleaning. As we expand, our focus remains on enhancing the versatility and technological capabilities of our fleet to meet evolving market demands.

What can Saudi Arabia offer as a destination for investment and business in the maritime and offshore segments?
Saudi Arabia stands out as a promising hub for offshore investments, offering a stable and integrity-driven business environment. The country’s Vision 2030 initiative has opened doors to opportunities in various sectors, from energy transitions to urban development. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability and its substantial financial capacity make it a leader in driving global change. This market is built on trust, long-term vision and ground-breaking initiatives, making it an exceptional destination for maritime and offshore ventures.

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