Folk Maritime Services Company (FOLK Maritime) envisions becoming the leading regional liner and short sea operator in the Middle East region, further strengthening the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub. Mohamed Badawy is contributing to steering the company toward this vision in his role as COO. He is a seasoned maritime industry leader with a career spanning over 24 years in regional and global maritime operations.
When he arrived FOLK Maritime in March 2024, he brought with him a wealth of experience in line shipping operation commercial, port, terminal, network and fleet management. It enabled him to quickly build their operations team from scratch in no time. He sees this as a major achievement and feels proud of it. “From drafting job descriptions to selecting candidates, onboarding them, and guiding them through our first year,” Mohamed points out, “it has been a fulfilling process.”
In the early start-up phase, FOLK Maritime had no systems, processes, or manuals — everything had to be built from scratch. Under the leadership team’s collective effort, the company established its foundation step by step: designing structures, developing processes, and assembling teams capable of managing complex operations. What began as a blank canvas has grown into a confident organization where subject matter experts and leaders work side by side, guided by a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability.
“It is never too late” is a piece of advice Mohamed always carries with him. Whether it is picking a new idea, making a change, or starting a new venture, this mindset has helped him overcome hesitation and motivated him to keep moving forward. “Everything contributes,” Mohamed says. “Even the smallest insights can make a big difference if you remain open to them.”
Taking a Detour from the Original Career Plan and Succeeding
The young Mohamed had no plans to pursue a career in the maritime and logistics sector. He dreamed of becoming pilot (in Aviation industry), but his life steered him toward the maritime sector. “What began as an alternative quickly turned into a lifelong and fulfilling career,” he says.
Mohamed studied Nautical Science at the Arab Academy of Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Alexandria, Egypt. After earning his degree, he began his maritime career at sea. According to him, his interest in the industry was also influenced by family members working in maritime engineering. “Unlike them, I chose the path of marine operations,” he says.
In 1999, he began his career working on vessels. Later, when he joined the head office of United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) in Dubai, he transitioned to roles ashore. For Mohamed, this move proved to be pivotal. It broadened his perspective and revealed the strategic and operational depth of shore-based roles. It also led to a “firm shift” from life at sea to leadership roles ashore.
“Since then, I have progressed through a range of functions — from vessel operations and stowage planning to port operation and then ship management also contributed to the newbuilding programs,” Mohamed points out. Eventually, he was entrusted with leading the entire network operations department, and this responsibility demanded a broader leadership mindset and deeper organizational engagement. He excelled in this role.
After his tenure at UASC, Mohamed moved to Hapag-Lloyd AG to lead regional operations. He calls this “another crucial and enriching chapter” of his career. When he joined, he found that the environment at Hapag-Lloyd AG is completely different from what he was used to at UASC. Mohamed soon realized that he held a leadership position in a multinational, fast-paced, and strategically diverse company. “Over nearly eight years, that experience significantly enhanced my global perspective, deepened my operational expertise, and shaped my approach to leading in complex, multicultural settings,” he says.
Mohamed remains deeply engaged in the industry. He is part of associations and forums, continuously learning, as well as staying connected to global and regional developments. He maintains a mindset of sharing insights and ideas. He also believes in giving back through mentorship. “I believe that true impact comes from being a consistent presence, not only in decisions made today, but in the inspiration, we pass on for tomorrow’s leaders,” Mohamed says.
The Turning Points
A major turning point in Mohamed’s career came when he was promoted to head the ship management department. At the time, the organization was undergoing significant changes. Mohamed recalls that he was leading a team of young, passionate professionals who were racing to grow in their careers. Many of them looked up to him for guidance in performance matters as well as in personal and professional life choices. Mohamed explains that the role demanded a rapid shift in how he led: from managing tasks to managing people and from solving problems to inspiring direction.
Another critical experience came during his involvement in several M&A transactions over the past 6–8 years. As part of the acquisition leadership team, he had to sit down with colleagues from both merging companies, conduct interviews, and make sensitive decisions about talent selection. “Listening to their stories — many deeply personal– taught me never to underestimate any individual’s journey,” Mohamed says. “It reshaped my leadership philosophy to be more empathetic, thoughtful, and people-centered.”
About FOLK and COO’s Responsibilities
FOLK Maritime was established in 2023 with a mission to connect regional ports seamlessly and catalyze trade across the Middle East, India, and East Africa. Its strategic goal is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global logistics hub, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leading position across high-growth industrial sectors. As the first and only Saudi specialized liner shipping company, FOLK Maritime fills a gap in the regional maritime sector by delivering reliable feeder and short-sea services tailored to the needs of its markets.
FOLK Maritime is currently in its startup phase. So, as COO, Mohamed’s role involves navigating a fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape. “Prioritization comes down to setting a strong operational foundation while staying agile,” he points out.
It has not been an easy year for Mohamed. According to him, the challenges have been immense. He had to oversee multiple responsibilities, including building processes, establishing SOPs, hiring the right people, selecting systems, and launching services. “Managing these responsibilities required constant attention to detail, strong collaboration, and quick, well-informed decision-making,” he explains. For him, maintaining a work-life balance has been difficult during this critical launch phase, but undeterred, he focuses on building a resilient organization that can scale efficiently.
“As the company matures, I continue refining our operating model, empowering the team while ensuring execution excellence,” Mohamed says. With his background as a Master Mariner and extensive experience in maritime operations, he is “uniquely positioned” to spearhead operational excellence at FOLK.
Dealing with Challenges
Mohamed points out that in a startup like FOLK Maritime, challenges arise daily, which is typical of the startup environment. Therefore, he cannot pinpoint one specific issue or challenge and term it as major.
“Every day presents decisions that affect the company’s trajectory,” Mohamed says. “From aligning a newly formed leadership team, to integrating diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, to making high-stakes operational calls, the challenge is continuous.” These challenges, however, provide him with incredibly enriching experiences. As a result, he has learned to listen deeply, respect different viewpoints, and adapt quickly.
“What has helped me navigate this environment is a commitment to transparency, empathy, and collaboration,” Mohamed says. “I have recognized that building a company is a collective journey.”
Core Values and Culture of Innovation and Adaptability
Trustworthiness, honesty, and loyalty are the three core values on which Mohamed has built his leadership. These principles guide every decision he makes, whether supporting his team, engaging with stakeholders, or steering operations.
“Trust is the cornerstone of performance,” Mohamed underscores. He explains that when people know they can rely on their leader, they give their best. Honesty, on the other hand, ensures that communication is open, even when decisions are tough. And Mohamed believes that loyalty — both to the organization and the people within it — creates a culture of commitment and long-term collaboration.
“I strive to model these values daily because I believe they form the foundation of sustainable leadership,” he adds.
Additionally, Mohamed believes that when employees are empowered, a culture of innovation and adaptability takes root. So, at FOLK, they encourage every team member to challenge the status quo and bring forward solutions. “I emphasize open communication, quick iteration, and a tolerance for learning through trial,” Mohamed says.
He and his team have introduced digital tools, automated systems, and IoT integration for container monitoring, along with building an internal culture that is responsive to change. Mohamed says that the goal is to create an organization that not only adapts but leads in an agile and transformative industry.
Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
Mohamed holds a leadership position in a startup currently in its launch phase. So, for him, maintaining a work-life balance is proving to be extremely challenging. “In year one of FOLK Maritime, the intensity of building everything from the ground up left little room for balance,” he says.
He has yet to master the ideal integration, but he continues to work on it. To achieve balance, he believes the key lies in intentional time management, surrounding oneself with capable people one can trust, and gradually building routines that protect energy and focus.
“It is a journey, not a fixed state, and one I continuously strive to improve,” Mohamed points out. He also credits his supportive family for understanding the demands of his work and sharing in carrying the weight of balancing professional and family life.
“I am fortunate to have a small but deeply supportive family who are my greatest source of strength and inspiration,” Mohamed says. “My wife, Rania, and our children Youssef, Talya, and Tiya are the heart of everything I do.” They also make sure that their holidays and time together are filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.
“Their love and encouragement are what keep me grounded and motivated to always give my best,” Mohamed says.
Trends Shaping Region’s Logistics and Maritime
The Middle East is witnessing rapid development across various sectors. Mohamed notes that several transformative trends are shaping the region’s logistics and maritime sectors. Infrastructure investment is one such trend. Mohamed points out that the Middle East is a rapidly developing world-class maritime and logistics infrastructure.
Another trend is the increasing adoption of digitalization and automation. “There is a growing embrace of technology across ports, shipping, and supply chain networks,” Mohamed says. He also points out that diverse vessel development and supportive government policies are two other noticeable trends. As the region attracts more global trade, different ship sizes and specialized services are becoming more common. In addition to that, visionary leadership across the region is fast-tracking regulatory and strategic support for the sector, according to Mohamed.
“I am proud to contribute ideas and insights in forums and conversations that influence this progress,” he adds. “The region is on a powerful trajectory, and FOLK Maritime Services is excited to be part of that momentum.”
Advice for Young Professionals
“Be patient, stay curious, and never lose hope” is Mohamed’s advice to young professionals hoping to build a successful career in maritime operations. He tells them to treat every journey as a learning opportunity and surround themselves with the right mentors. “They can help you take bold steps when you might otherwise hesitate,” he points out.
He also encourages young professionals to cultivate self-awareness. “Understand what you know, what you don’t, and be open to continuous improvement,” he says. “The maritime industry is rich with opportunity for those willing to commit and grow.”
The Legacy!
Mohamed wishes to be remembered as a leader people could trust. He wants to leave a legacy built on honesty, loyalty, knowledge and a commitment to doing what is right. Whether he is guiding a colleague, making tough decisions, or building something from the ground up, Mohamed hopes his legacy will be one of integrity and meaningful contribution.
“I want people to remember me as someone who gave them his honest opinion, supported their growth, and stood by them with loyalty and fairness,” Mohamed says. “That is the kind of leadership that lasts.”