CMA CGM has launched a partnership with Folk Maritime to launch the North Red Sea Express (NRX) service in April 2024. This collaboration aims to improve connectivity between Jeddah Islamic Port and destinations like NEOM, Sokhna (Egypt), Aqaba (Jordan), and Yanbu (Saudi Arabia). The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a significant logistics hub globally.

The introduction of the NRX service signifies a key alliance between CMA CGM and Folk Maritime, a new player in Saudi Arabia’s feeder and short-sea shipping sector. This weekly service will deploy two vessels to enhance cargo transfer between Jeddah Islamic Port’s Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) and DP World Jeddah (DPW Jeddah). It is tailored to meet the rising market and trade demands in the region, ensuring efficient cargo management and delivery to local businesses.

An outstanding feature of the NRX service is its focus on reducing carbon emissions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability. By providing a reliable and eco-friendly maritime solution, the service aims to minimize the environmental impact of shipping routes between Jeddah, NEOM, and Yanbu, aligning with global sustainability objectives.

The NRX commenced its inaugural voyage on April 9, 2024, with the M/V JIN SHUN HE departing from Jeddah. This milestone in maritime logistics will enhance connectivity between Jeddah and key North Red Sea ports, reaffirming CMA CGM’s dedication to supporting the region's logistical requirements.

Olivier Nivoix, Executive Vice-President of CMA CGM Group Lines, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Folk Maritime, highlighting the strategic importance of the NRX service in bolstering logistics offerings in this vital region. He emphasized that the service will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s expansion of its logistic capabilities in the North Red Sea, while also providing customers with improved services in this key region, where CMA CGM Group has been leading direct calls to the port of NEOM since March 2023.