FROM MODEST beginnings operating two Ro-Ro ships between the US and Middle East, National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (NSCSA) has developed a fully-integrated liner service linking the Middle East with its major trading partners in North America, Europe and Asia, deploying a mix of container and Ro-Ro tonnages suited to the needs of individual trades.

Between North America, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Italy, NSCSA operates six Ro-Ro vessels on a 14-day service, carrying project cargoes equipment, forest products and consumer goods into Saudi Arabia and machinery from the subcontinent and Italy into the US.

NSCSA has the highest market share from the US to the Kingdom and is the carrier of choice for many consignees.

From Europe and the Far East, NSCSA has recently deployed 3x4400 teu container newbuildings through a strategic alliance with CMA-CGM, the French national line.

The last vessel was deployed in February.

As well as developing core markets into the Middle East covering these regions' main trading partners, NSCSA is now focussing on foreign to foreign trades between Asia and Europe and the subcontinent and US.

NSCSA has, at the same time, diversified into chemical and crude oil transportation, with 80 per cent equity participation in National Chemical Carriers (NCC), founded in 1990 and operating a fleet of 16 chemical tankers under a pool arrangement with Norwegian operator Storli. These vessels are trading worldwide.

In 1991 NSCSA further expanded by ordering five VLCCs which were delivered between 1996 and 1997.

The aggregate capacity of these vessels is 10,500,000 barrels.

The tankers are chartered to Vela International Marine to carry Saudi Arabian oil to various parts of the world.

As well as developing marine services, NSCSA has provided landslide services in the Kingdom through development of a 120,000 sq m container yard in Jeddah Islamic Port in 1997, and is continuing to develop information systems compatible with today's shipping environment and latest information technology.

By continuing to meet the needs of the region, NSCSA is developing the base to expand in the liner shipping industry, while at the same time diversifying its base of operations.