The Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) was awarded the Free Zone Authority Award at one of the industry's most prestigious maritime industry awards in Dubai.

The General Organisation of Sea Ports' (GOP) dedicated logistics facility won the award at the 'Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards 2011.

Designed to celebrate and reward excellence and innovation in the region's maritime and logistics sector, the award recognises BLZ as one of the region's best customs-free value-added logistics boutique offering integrated world-class services for commercial, import export and re-export activities.

'We are proud that BLZ has been recognised and awarded the Free Zone Authority Award as it serves as a testament to GOP's commitment to establish BLZ as the premier location for high-quality logistical operations,' said GOP chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa.

'The BLZ has a number of leading local and international companies that have signed tenancy agreements as a result of our team's efforts,' he said.

'As the kingdom's maritime industry regulator, we adhere strictly to international best practices and strive to achieve excellence in our day-to-day operations,' he said.

BLZ's win reflects the kingdom's efforts to enhance economic development by positioning Bahrain as a global maritime and logistics centre, and through the provision of world class ports, logistics zone facilities and related services, in line with the 'Economic Vision 2030'.

The annual Seatrade awards cover fundamental principles, including contribution and commitment to maritime services, innovation, commitment to safety and quality, social and environmental responsibilities, business enterprise and achievement, engagement as well as training and development of personnel.

Categories included Port Authority Award, Environmental Protection Award, Corporate Social Responsibility Award, Safety and Quality Award, Technical Innovation Award, Education and Training Award, Free Zone Authority Award and Deal of the Year Award.

In 2010, Shaikh Daij was presented with the 'Seatrade Personality of the Year Award' for his modern approach to the development of a sustainable maritime infrastructure reflecting Bahrain's strong performance across the ports, logistics and ship repair sectors in recent years.

Last year, the GOP was shortlisted as one of the contenders for the Port Authority Award.

The GOP has taken measures to ensure that the port's customers and end users benefit from safe, reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly services, along with the implementation of new mandatory requirements in environmental and safety issues to support its nomination in highly-competitive categories.-TradeArabia News Service