Parliamentarians gear up for historic vote to chart Bahrain’s maritime destiny

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Parliamentarians here are gearing up to vote on a proposal set to propel Bahrain’s economic prowess in global maritime trade.

This proposal, a crucial step towards the Kingdom’s accession to the International Maritime Traffic Agreement of 1965, promises a slew of benefits, including a big boost in container traffic, smoother transit operations, and an uptick in maritime trade activity.

Scheduled for discussion in the upcoming parliamentary session alongside Decree No. 87 of 2023, the bill has already received a nod of approval from the Public Facilities and Environment Committee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoes this sentiment, emphasising the profound impact of Bahrain’s accession on its international standing.

Crafted against the backdrop of burgeoning international trade and the need for standardised regulations, this landmark agreement holds profound significance in facilitating safe and efficient maritime transportation across borders.

“This accession will yield substantial economic advantages for Bahrain, particularly in terms of enhanced container traffic, smoother transit operations, and increased trade activity to and from the kingdom,” the Ministry emphasised.

“The significance of this move cannot be overstated,” the Ministry declares. According to the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, joining the agreement unlocks access to a ship’s pre-arrival information-sharing system for international voyages.

“This would significantly reduce the time required to complete the procedures for a ship’s entry into international ports, facilitating the procedures during the ship’s stay in the port and upon departure.” Furthermore, the agreement paves the way for unified standards and procedures for ship clearance, goods inspection, and passenger processing.

This harmonisation not only boosts Bahrain’s role in international maritime trade but also fosters a conducive environment for global commerce to thrive.

International Maritime Traffic Agreement of 1965

The proposed legislation encompasses Bahrain’s adherence to the International Maritime Traffic Agreement of 1965, with specific reservations concerning the implementation of the provisions outlined in the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 United Nations Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.

These reservations are specifically articulated within Standard 104 of Paragraph A in Article 4 of the Agreement’s Annex.

The proposed law aims to streamline maritime traffic for ships embarking on international voyages, endorsing recognised standards and regulations that streamline entry procedures into foreign ports.

Additionally, it seeks to entice prominent shipping lines to Bahrain’s ports, positioning them as prime hubs for both regional and international investments.

The bill represents Bahrain’s official commitment to joining the International Maritime Traffic Agreement, signalling a pivotal move towards deeper integration into the global maritime sphere. The Shura Council will deliberate on the proposal before proceeding to vote on it.