The Bahrain General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) has announced the opening of a new center for international seafarers calling at the state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP).

The move comes as part of its commitment to the seafarer and maritime community during last year’s Bahrain Maritime Festival 2010, said a GOP statement.

Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, GOP chairman inaugurated the new Bahrain Seafarer’s Center building in the presence of the members of the board, management and staff of GOP and guests.

The new centre was developed with facilities for international seafarers calling at the port and office space to Bahrain International Seafarers Society (BISS).

The facility will provide international seafarers various amenities, services and support for rest and relaxation, all of which will meet international standards, the statement added.

In addition, the new centre will include several ICT dedicated rooms, where computers, printers, and internet connections will also 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, said the GOP statement.

The Bahrain Maritime Festival represents the Kingdom’s landmark celebration of the World Maritime Day held 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 included maritime-themed activities specifically geared to combat piracy.

Major companies and media partners come forward as sponsors to support and be a part of BMF 2011 activities.

Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) was BMF’s strategic sponsor for the second consecutive year, while Tamkeen became the strategic partner for the school visit held as part of the festival’s educational programme this year.

This is in addition to Bahrain Flour Mills, Al Jazeera Shipping Company, Bahrain Polytechnic, GAC Bahrain, APM Terminals, and UCO Marines. The media partners included Al Watan, Al Ayam, Al Bilad, Akhbar Al Khaleej, and Gulf Daily News.
-TradeArabia News Service