Dr. confirmed. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transport and Communications, said that the Kingdom of Bahrain is moving confidently towards building an integrated maritime system that keeps pace with global developments, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a pivotal center for trade and logistics services in the region, in line with the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
He explained that the National Maritime Strategy represents a comprehensive roadmap that aims to transform the maritime sector into an engine for national prosperity, through developing the infrastructure and operational processes of ports and logistics areas, attracting quality investments, and adopting digital and smart solutions in managing supply chains and maritime trade.
He added that the implementation of a national maritime strategy is based on a participatory approach that brings together relevant government and private agencies, which enhances institutional integration and translates the vision into implementable projects, noting that the national workshop on the national maritime strategy formed a constructive platform to unify efforts and formulate national priorities for the maritime sector.
Dr. confirmed. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said that the Ministry seeks, through these efforts, to enhance the sustainability of the sector by applying the best environmental practices, developing national capabilities and technical innovation in the fields of automation and planning with artificial intelligence, to ensure the continuity of economic growth and the preservation of resources for future generations.
This came during the workshop on the National Maritime Strategy, organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in the Bahrain Logistics Zone, in the presence and wide participation of all government and private agencies concerned with the maritime transport, logistics and maritime trade sector in the Kingdom.
The workshop witnessed active participation from high-level representatives from ministries and government agencies, along with leaders of the private maritime sector, ports and logistics companies, with the aim of achieving a common vision, putting forward concrete initiatives and securing collective commitment to the executive steps necessary to advance the ambitious strategy.
The workshop was based on six basic pillars that provide a comprehensive framework for development and transformation towards an integrated system, which begins with a focus on maritime infrastructure that aims to provide facilities led by commercial requirements, stabilize and develop vital corridors between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf, prepare for the integration of the future railway system, and develop facilities dedicated to cruise ships.
This axis is integrated with the Ports and Inland Areas Operations Corner, which seeks to achieve commercially smooth and digitally integrated operations, improve maritime services and efficiency within ports to increase freight volumes, and ensure real-time visibility through digital tools.
The operational aspect concluded with the integrated logistics axis, which aims to build a world-class maritime system based on strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional and international center for maritime trade and the sustainability of supply chains, in addition to adopting initiatives and innovations and exchanging visions and experiences in a way that contributes to improving the maritime sector and pushing it towards new horizons in accordance with global best practices.
On the regulatory and financing side, the importance of the Governance, Legislation and Finance pillar comes in, which works to create a unified and clear governance framework, use strategic and smart financing mechanisms to attract private investments, and remove unnecessary barriers to maritime trade, which constitutes 80% of global trade.
As for the human capabilities and innovation axis, it focuses on building a pool of future-ready talent through comprehensive programs to raise skills, and experimenting with automation and planning solutions with artificial intelligence and green solutions to maintain maritime leadership.
Finally, the sustainability pillar emphasizes the commitment to building a sustainable infrastructure for future generations of trade, establishing green and efficient systems that reduce emissions, and consolidating the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a global maritime center.
