Bahrain MoT launches online ship registry portal

As part of the Ministry of Transportation (MoT)’s efforts to integrate latest technology into its business practice in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, the Ministry’s Port and Maritime Affairs has announced the official launch of its Ship Registry Portal (SRP) to all ship owners whose vessels are registered under Bahrain’s Ship Registry.The SRP offers users various services that are easily accessible via the web and provides notices and alerts to ship owners on their applications status as well as any other updates. The portal also includes a payment gateway that enables users to pay any licenses or other associated fees.On this occasion, the MoT's Acting Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Al-Majed stated that this new portal is part of the Ports and Maritime Affairs’ initiatives that aim at facilitating services and establishing Bahrain as an open registry, allowing ships to register under the Bahraini flag. "Our main goal is to take advantage of the latest technologies to enhance our services and interactions with our stakeholders as well as providing high quality services and support to customers. With the launch of this new portal, ship owners are able to submit their applications, pay fees, and access services which are available around the clock as well as follow up on their applications and contact the Ministry for troubleshooting if needed."He added that this system is one of the first of its kind in the world and serves as an important step in placing the Kingdom of Bahrain as an open ship registry and in positioning the Kingdom as a forerunner in the industry.A comprehensive full day training workshop was conducted for all ship owners to introduce them to features and services offered by the system and how to use them. MoT will be accepting both manual and online applications for the first three months from the portal’s launch to allow ship owners to familiarize themselves with the new system. Following this transitional period, only online applications will be accepted.