Bahrain: GOP Holds 27th Board Meeting

The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) held its 27th Board Meeting, which was chaired by Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board on 8th December 2011. During the meeting, the Board was briefed by management on the implementation of GOP’s business plans and highlighted the recent developments since its last meeting. In addition the Board reviewed and discussed the GOP’s programme and budget for the year 2012.

The Board, during its deliberations, ensured that special attention was given to align GOP’s activities to fully support the priorities agreed upon during the recent National Dialogue.

In this regard, the Board directed the management to further accelerate the development of the bulk Materials Terminal located at the Mina Salman Port so that the terminal becomes fully operational as early as possible.

The GOP considers the construction of this dedicated terminal a strategic project of utmost importance that will facilitate the import and distribution of building materials required to meet the housing and other construction projects within the Kingdom.

Shaikh Daij commended the Management and staff for their hard work and encouraged the implementation of GOP’s business plan with renewed vigor and enthusiasm to further bolster Bahrain’s maritime profile. This will in turn help to promote the Kingdom’s status as the primary regional transshipment hub for the Northern Gulf, thereby attracting substantial inward investment to the Kingdom.

The Board congratulated the Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) team for having won the ‘Free Zone Authority’ award at Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards 2011 ceremony.

Upon concluding the meeting, the Board thanked the Management and staff for their continued commitment and hard work which enabled the organisation to win a number of important projects in spite of the many challenges faced by the local and global maritime industry recently.

About General Organisation of Sea Ports

The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) was established In September 2006 with a mission to develop Bahrain’s maritime industry and infrastructure and regulate its operation in line with the Kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030 development strategy. The GOP’s overarching responsibility lies in guiding the development of strategies to position Bahrain as a global leader in the maritime industry.

As a regulator, the GOP is responsible for supervising all maritime safety and environmental matters and ensuring adequate infrastructure is in place to serve the needs of the Kingdom’s seaports, including the region’s newest state-of-the-art port Khalifa Bin Salman Port. The GOP is also responsible for operating and developing the Bahrain Logistics zone.

Adhering to the highest international quality standards of safety, environment and security, the GOP aims to position the Kingdom as the strategic gateway and trans shipment hub to the northern Gulf.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, December 14, 2011; Image: gop