The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) fulfilled the commitment it made to the seafarer and maritime community during last year’s Bahrain Maritime Festival 2010 with the inauguration of the new Bahrain Seafarer’s Center located at the state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP). The ceremony was inaugurated by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Chairman of GOP, members of the Board, management and staff of GOP and distinguished guests.
The new Seafarer’s Centre was developed with facilities for international seafarers calling at the port and office space to Bahrain International Seafarers Society (BISS). The new Centre will provide international seafarers various amenities, services and support for rest and relaxation, all of which will meet international standards. In addition, the new centre will include several ICT dedicated rooms, where computers, printers, and internet connections will be provided. This will be complemented with TV and consultation rooms, a library, and a kitchen. A separate room dedicated to the provision of commercial goods.
The Bahrain Maritime Festival represents the Kingdom’s landmark celebration of the World Maritime Day (WMD), which is taking place all over the world during the last week of September. Held under the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2011 theme of ‘Piracy: Orchestrating the response’, this year’s event includes maritime-themed activities specifically geared to combat piracy and aims to spread greater awareness of the maritime industry and focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and in recognition of the risks the seafarers shoulder in the execution of their duties.
Major companies and media partners have come forward as sponsors to support and be a part of BMF 2011 activities to mark World Maritime Day.
While the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) is BMF’s strategic sponsor for BMF for the second consecutive year, Tamkeen is the strategic partner for the school visit as part of the festival’s educational programme this year. This is in addition to Bahrain Flour Mills, Al Jazeera Shipping Co. W.L.L., Bahrain Polytechnic, GAC Bahrain, APM Terminals, and UCO Marines. Media partners include: Al Watan, Al Ayam, Al Bilad, Akhbar Al Khaleej, and Gulf Daily News.
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Source: GOP, October 3, 2011.