ORBCOMM, the world’s largest provider of dry and reefer container visibility solutions, has announced a partnership with Folk Maritime Services Company. This collaboration marks Folk Maritime as the first container shipping line in the Middle East to implement ORBCOMM’s smart container monitoring technology, which aims to enhance supply chain visibility and improve cargo protection for their entire fleet.

Folk Maritime, a Saudi Arabian feeder and regional liner services provider, is committed to being at the forefront of digital innovation. Mohamed Badawi, the Chief Operating Officer of Folk Maritime, emphasized the company’s goal of pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He noted that ORBCOMM’s technology will help further digitalize shipping operations, optimize shipment tracking, and enhance cargo integrity and protection. Additionally, Badawi highlighted the environmental benefits, stating that the technology will aid in optimizing operations, routing, and asset utilization, ultimately reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

The dry container monitoring technology from ORBCOMM offers real-time and historical location reporting, which helps shipping lines increase asset visibility and streamline operations. With the inclusion of door sensors, Folk Maritime will enhance container security by receiving alerts when doors are opened or closed. This feature enables swift reactions to prevent potential cargo damage or theft, providing customers with increased visibility throughout the supply chain.

Christian Allred, ORBCOMM’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed pride in being part of the Middle East’s first smart dry container deployment. He acknowledged Folk Maritime’s impressive dedication to supply chain digitalization since its launch in February 2024. Allred noted that this collaboration reinforces ORBCOMM’s leadership in smart container shipping solutions and anticipated broader industry advancements through their technology.

With a robust history of 30 years in industrial IoT innovation, ORBCOMM has established itself as a leading provider in the dry and reefer container sector. The company has successfully helped customers track and monitor over 600 000 reefer containers and shipped more than one million dry container devices in 2024.

Folk Maritime Services Company, founded in 2023 and backed by the Public Investment Fund, aims to seamlessly connect regional ports and stimulate trade across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and East Africa. The company aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision to emerge as a global logistics hub, enhancing its position in various high-growth industrial sectors. Through its neutral feeder operations, Folk Maritime connects smaller ports to larger hubs while providing end-to-end shipping solutions for cargo owners.