Manama: Bader Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, led the 39th meeting of the Committee of Officials of Ports Authorities and Maritime Administrations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This meeting took place as part of Bahrain's leadership during the 46th session of the GCC Council.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Mahmood reiterated Bahrain's dedication to bolstering joint GCC efforts and advancing the ports and maritime sector. He emphasized the significance of ongoing coordination and the unification of procedures and standards to fortify the maritime sector's resilience, ensure the uninterrupted flow of supply chains, and elevate the competitiveness of GCC ports.
He further stated that integrating technological solutions and sustainable initiatives, along with boosting the efficiency of maritime navigation and transport among GCC nations, aids in enhancing maritime services and reinforcing the GCC maritime sector's global standing.
The meeting's agenda included significant topics such as improving GCC logistics integration, the development of port and maritime navigation operations, addressing challenges in trade and maritime traffic, the increasing costs of shipping and insurance, regulating navigation, facilitating the movement of ships and marine vessels, and standardizing regulations for licensing marine units and inspection procedures.
Participants also focused on enhancing maritime security, safety, and sustainability. They deliberated on standardizing procedures for implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the Green Corridors initiative between ports, enhancing technological alternatives for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services, and aligning priorities with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).