London:Bader Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary of Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, led the Kingdom of Bahrain's delegation at the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. The event took place at the organization's headquarters in London, United Kingdom, with participation from representatives of IMO member states.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Council's agenda included discussions on the organization's work and the future of international maritime transport. Key topics covered were strategic plans, compliance with international maritime conventions and standards, maritime safety, environmental protection, and the sustainability of the shipping sector.
On the sidelines of the session, Al Mahmood engaged in discussions with Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary-General, focusing on cooperation between Bahrain and the organization. Their talks included maritime legislation, safety, environmental protection, and national capacity development. They also explored ways to enhance technical cooperation, align national laws with international maritime treaties, and transition towards sustainable shipping practices.
Additionally, Bahrain deposited its instrument of accession to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) during the meeting. This annex pertains to preventing air pollution and reducing emissions from ships. Al Mahmood emphasized that this accession underscores Bahrain's dedication to advancing its maritime framework according to international standards and contributing to environmental sustainability in maritime transport.