Manama: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, attended a ceremony organized by Svitzer, a global leader in marine towage, to launch the 2025-model tugboats Svitzer Manama and Svitzer Awal. These vessels are intended to enhance operations at Khalifa Bin Salman Port. Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, along with representatives from Svitzer and APM Terminals Bahrain, were present at the event.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister emphasized that the introduction of the new tugboats Svitzer Manama and Svitzer Awal represents a significant advancement in improving the efficiency and reliability of maritime services in Bahrain. This development aligns with the Kingdom's efforts to upgrade its infrastructure following international standards as part of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted the initiative as a testament to the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing the maritime transport industry. The two tugboats are expected to boost towage and maneuvering operations for large vessels, enhance port safety, and accommodate the growth in regional and international trade activities.
He further mentioned that the government's strategy includes building a modern and integrated infrastructure to connect Bahrain with international markets. Investing in these new tugboats is part of Bahrain's strategy to handle increased trade volumes and strengthen logistics links within the GCC, reinforcing its position as a vital trade gateway.
During the ceremony, Svitzer showcased the technical capabilities of the tugboats, which adhere to the latest international standards. Equipped with dual azimuth thrusters, the vessels provide enhanced maneuverability and precise control, marking a significant improvement in towage and berthing operations. This innovation reduces maneuvering time for large vessels and tankers, improving navigation safety and operational efficiency.
The deployment of the new tugboats is expected to facilitate the growth of cargo operations at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, enhancing its ability to accommodate larger vessels. This progress reinforces Bahrain's role as a central hub for maritime trade and logistics services in the region.
The inauguration underscores Svitzer's commitment to delivering top-tier maritime services, supporting Bahrain's national economy and bolstering its competitiveness in sustainable transport and logistics.