Bahrain’s General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) recently sponsored the ‘Innovation in Ship Operations’ award at this year’s Seatrade Awards in line with its efforts to promote excellence and innovation in the shipping and maritime industry.

This award category recognises the most innovative project that has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of ship operations and / or cargo handling, a statement from GOP said.

The winner, Lankhorst Touwfabrieken (Lankhorst Ropes), was announced during the dinner ceremony, the statement said.

Steven Wardenier, commercial director, and Hans-Pieter Baaij, manager of the maritime sales division, received the award from the IMO secretary-general, Koji Sekimizu, and Hassan Ali Al Majed, director general of GOP, at Guildhall in London, on behalf of Lankhorst Ropes. 

“The Seatrade Awards are the industry’s most well respected and anticipated event of the year, as they aim to recognise leaders in the industry across a number of different categories,” Al Majed said. “For us at GOP, we believe that innovation is a key factor for success, and with our sponsorship of the ‘Innovation in Ship Operations’ award, we aim to encourage its pursuit, helping further develop and grow the maritime and shipping industry, to the benefit of all.”

The Seatrade Awards recognises those who have demonstrated innovative solutions for safe, efficient and environmentally friendly shipping which is in keeping with the objectives of the International Maritime Organisation and rewards excellence and innovation.

The award categories include Seatrade Personality Award, Seatrade Lifetime Achievement Award, Seatrade Global Performer, Award, IMO: One Hundred Years After the Titanic, Award for Countering Piracy, Safety at Sea, Clean Shipping, Innovation in Ship Operations and Investment in People Award.

The entries were judged by a panel of expert and dignitary judges chaired by Koji Sekimizu, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

A high-level delegation led by Hassan Ali Al Majed, attended the ceremony along with a diverse group of regional and international companies. – TradeArabia News Service