Borders and Ports

Is the Kingdom of Bahrain set to redefine its role in the global maritime industry? Bahrain is rapidly advancing its ports and maritime sector, focusing on modernization, efficiency, and security. This strategic evolution not only strengthens Bahrain's maritime connectivity but also cements its position as a key maritime hub in the Gulf region.

Bahrain’s Logistics Services Strategy has been released to capitalize on Bahrain’s strategic geographic position while uplifting logistical capacity across several services and expanding its offerings to position Bahrain as one of the top 20 global destinations for logistic services by 2030.

The Ports and Maritime Affairs (PMA) plays a pivotal role in the oversight and enhancement of Bahrain's ports and maritime sector, adhering to national legislations and international standards and best practices in line with top digital governments worldwide.

Bahrain launched the digital portal “Marasi” to optimize service delivery in ports and maritime. The portal offers the issuance and renewal of commercial activity licenses, renewal of water taxi licenses, the management of daily ship movement, and the completion of private jetty handling charges, in addition to the ship registry portal accessible online 24/7.

PMA's responsibilities encompass the meticulous supervision of maritime operations within the Kingdom's waters and ports. Its primary focus is on ensuring the safety and preparedness of operators navigating the routes leading to Bahrain's ports and their surroundings and enhancing the continuation of the maritime economy along the coast and waters of the Kingdom of Bahrain. PMA's commitment to international standards is evident through its multifaceted functions, which include:

• Commercial Activities and Port Operations Oversight: PMA meticulously supervises the commercial activities and operational aspects of ports and private jetties, fostering an environment of efficiency and compliance with global maritime standards.
• Maritime Operations Monitoring: Within territorial waters, PMA maintains vigilant surveillance to guarantee the secure passage of ships at sea. This vigilance contributes significantly to the safety and fluidity of maritime traffic in the region.
• Ship Registration and Certification: PMA serves as the authoritative body for registering all vessels carrying the Kingdom of Bahrain's flag. Additionally, it issues the requisite certificates, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and regulatory compliance.
• Bahrain Logistics Zone Supervision: PMA assumes a pivotal role in leasing plots at Bahrain Logistics Zone and overseeing the operations within the zone, ensuring its smooth and efficient functioning in line with global logistics standards.
• Port Operations and Facilities Monitoring: PMA maintains rigorous scrutiny of port operations and facilities to uphold stringent health, security, safety, and environmental standards, thereby guaranteeing the well-being of both personnel and the environment as well as ensuring the smooth and efficient running of operations most notably Khalifa Bin Salman Port.

Officially inaugurated in 2009, Khalifa Bin Salman Port stands as an instrumental catalyst for the economic advancement of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Located strategically in the northern Arabian Gulf, it holds a prominent position as a vital trade gateway for the entire region. The port's exceptional geographical location enables it to accommodate a diverse range of vessels, including cruise ships, container ships, and cargo carriers. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless cargo transportation through direct road connections to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Khalifa Bin Salman Port offers a comprehensive suite of world-class services, including sea freight, marine navigation, and logistics services, further solidifying its status as a premier maritime hub in the region.

Advancements in Digital Transformation

The achievements of Bahrain's digital transformation in the maritime sector are manifested in a number of projects and digital services, including:

"Marasi" System: The Ministry’s Port and Maritime Affairs (PMA) implemented the "Marasi" system for the issuance and renewal of port related commercial activity licenses, transforming its services and activities into fully electronic offerings. This system provides automated licensing services which aligns with the government and ministry's strategy to streamline the PMA’s regulatory, operational, and licensing activities, enhancing convenience and access for the ports and maritime community.

Automation of Ship Registry Services: A dedicated ship registry portal that offers ship owners various services including submitting applications and a payment gateway for license renewals and other associated fees.

Small Ship Registration: The Ministry launched a service to all small vessel owners allowing them to renew their vessels’ registration certificates and navigation permits online.  

Cloud Hosting: To adhere to the government's "Cloud First" policy, most of these applications are hosted in the cloud, ensuring scalability and accessibility.

These initiatives demonstrate Bahrain's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in various sectors.