Manama: Bader Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, announced that the electronic portal for the registration and licensing of small vessels has achieved notable success since its launch in 2025, with 20,401 transactions completed. This reflects the effectiveness of digital transformation in developing and streamlining maritime services.
According to Bahrain News Agency, 62.4% of transactions were completed through the electronic portal, compared to 37.6% conducted in person. This indicates increasing reliance on digital channels and user confidence in them. The system provides an integrated package of electronic services, with the issuance and renewal of small vessel driving licenses recording 8,870 transactions. Technical inspection services registered 3,521 transactions, followed by the renewal of vessel and jet ski registrations with 3,222 transactions. The transfer of vessel ownership accounted for 1,774 transactions, and the registration of new vessels and jet skis totaled 273 transactions.
The electronic services further included requests for new number plates and side stickers with 1,693 transactions, changes to registration data with 742 transactions, changes of vessel classification from leisure to fishing with 210 transactions, alongside 96 transactions for the deregistration of vessels or jet skis.
Al Mahmood confirmed that as part of its 2026 plans, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications will continue to develop the system and expand its electronic services to enhance the beneficiary experience and improve service efficiency through digital channels. This initiative aligns with the government’s direction to simplify procedures and advance the digital work system.