Southern Tourism Company (STC), a fully-owned subsidiary of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, has signed an agreement with Port-Marine Company, the exclusive operator of Durrat Marina Yacht Club.

The deal will allow STC to utilise Durrat Marina Yacht Club jetty services and facilities, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

STC chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa sealed the deal with Port-Marine Company chairman Nawaf Khalid Al Marzooq.

The agreement, which took effect from April 1, will automatically be renewed for a one-year period, unless otherwise notified by either party.

"We are delighted to enter into such partnership which is considered as one of the pillars of a strategic plan for the development of maritime transportation and logistics industry. It will contribute to attracting many Hawar Island visitors to Durrat Marina Yacht Club, a unique, high-class starting point with a distinguished location and high standard of safety and security," said Shaikh Hamad, describing STC fleet as one of the most modern means of transport.

The move follows an agreement signed by STC with the UAE Gulf Craft Company in October last year to buy a passenger ship to transport visitors to and from Hawar Islands, he said.

He also announced plans to acquire more ships in the future. This will help meet the increasing demand to visit Hawar Islands, he said.

From mid-2014 when the Best Western Hawar Resort Hotel was opened until year-end, STC has transported about 5,400 passengers, he said. - TradeArabia News Service