GCC Maritime Authorities Discuss Agreement On Freedom Of Navigation

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Sept 10 (KUNA) -- The committee of port authorities and maritime administrations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states held its 33rd meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Kuwait, to discuss a proposed agreement on freedom of navigation for GCC citizens within Gulf waters.
Speaking to KUNA following the meeting, Director General of Kuwait's Coast Guard, Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah, said the committee discussed mutual recognition of maritime licenses, in line with efforts to enhance Gulf integration.
He noted that discussions also addressed regulations for traditional commercial vessels entering GCC waters and ports, safety requirements for berths serving such vessels, and the implementation of an electronic ownership registration system for maritime units.
Other agenda items included easing the use of maritime means for coastal travel, regulations for issuing marine driving licenses, and the establishment of specialized training centers to build national maritime capacities.
Sheikh Mubarak emphasized the GCC's commitment to enhancing cooperation and advancing the maritime transport sector to boost its economic and social impact and support regional maritime trade.
He added that with all GCC countries overlooking the Arabian Gulf, port authorities play key roles not only in regulating maritime movement but also in protecting the marine environment and ensuring the sustainability of vital resources.
Highlighting member state achievements, he noted that Kuwaiti-flagged ships recently received top operational performance ratings under the Tokyo MoU after 30 inspections without any remarks.
Saudi Arabia has expanded its fleet to 409 vessels with a combined deadweight of over 16.5 million tons, and registered 3,000 national seafarers.
Dubai launched a 2030 marine transport plan, Qatar's Hamad Port ranked 11th globally in container efficiency, Oman's Port of Salalah ranked second, and Bahrain launched a national maritime data program. (end)
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