Bahrain Maritime Cooperation Talks Focus on Port Connectivity, Digitalization and Safety
Shipping Arabia, November 12, 2026 – Bahrain has held a series of maritime cooperation talks with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Cyprus, focusing on stronger port connectivity, transit cargo movements, maritime digitalization and safety. The discussions took place in London on the sidelines of the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Badr Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, led the bilateral meetings as part of the Kingdom’s participation in the IMO Council session.
The meetings brought together senior government officials and maritime representatives to explore cooperation in port operations, shipping connectivity and modern maritime technologies. They also addressed several issues of mutual interest relating to maritime safety, navigation systems and technical expertise.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Discuss Direct Port Connectivity
During a meeting with Sulaiman bin Khalid Al Mazroua, President of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), the Bahraini delegation discussed opportunities to strengthen direct maritime connections between ports in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The discussions focused on facilitating cargo and transit movements between the two countries. Both sides also explored opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation across the ports and maritime transport sectors.
Improving direct port connectivity was a central topic, with both delegations examining how closer maritime links could support smoother cargo movements and transit operations.
Separately, Al Mahmood met with Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for Maritime Transport Affairs.
The meeting addressed opportunities to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Bahrain and the UAE on matters relating to ports, maritime transport and navigation. Both sides discussed areas of mutual interest aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector.
Egypt and Cyprus Talks Address Digitalization, Ship Registration and Maritime Safety
Bahrain’s maritime cooperation talks also included discussions with senior Egyptian officials on improving shipping connections and modernizing maritime procedures.
Al Mahmood met with Rear Admiral Hussein Mostafa Al-Jaziri, Head of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector at Egypt’s Ministry of Transport.
The two officials discussed opportunities to develop transit cargo movements and strengthen maritime connectivity between ports. Their discussions also covered the digitalization of maritime procedures and the implementation of single-window systems to streamline administrative processes.
In addition, the Bahraini and Egyptian delegations addressed coordination on matters under consideration at the IMO, reflecting their shared interest in international maritime cooperation.
In another bilateral meeting, Al Mahmood held discussions with Dr. Christos Atalianis, Alternate Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the IMO.
The meeting examined opportunities to strengthen maritime cooperation between Bahrain and Cyprus, particularly in ship registration and the reduction of emissions from shipping activities.
Maritime safety and search-and-rescue operations were also on the agenda. Both sides discussed technical expertise exchange and opportunities to develop cooperation across these areas.
British Maritime Experts Discuss Navigation Technology and Technical Training
Alongside the bilateral meetings, Bahrain’s delegation held discussions with British maritime officials and specialists in aids to navigation, positioning systems and maritime navigation technologies.
The talks focused on developing the infrastructure supporting aids to navigation and exploring opportunities to advance electronic navigation applications.
Participants also discussed developments in positioning and navigation systems, highlighting potential areas for technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Technical training and capacity building formed another important part of the discussions. The meetings examined opportunities to exchange expertise and strengthen the capabilities of Bahraini maritime personnel in navigation and maritime safety.
These engagements complement Bahrain’s wider maritime cooperation efforts, particularly in adopting modern navigation technologies and developing specialized technical expertise.
The series of meetings in London covered a broad range of maritime priorities, from direct port connectivity and transit cargo facilitation to digital transformation, ship registration and emissions reduction.
Through its participation in the IMO Council session, Bahrain continued discussions with regional and international maritime partners on strengthening cooperation, improving maritime operations and advancing navigation safety.
Source: Al Ayam
