The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AP Moller-Maersk to establish a ship recycling industry in Bahrain. The MoU was signed in the presence of strategic partners, including the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY), Bahrain Steel, and APM Terminals Bahrain, the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
Key Objectives:
- Promote Safe and Sustainable Ship Recycling: The MoU aims to foster joint research and collaboration between involved companies in Bahrain to ensure safe and sustainable ship recycling practices.
- Organizational Support: The Ministries will provide organizational support to ASRY, which will prepare docks and yards for larger vessels.
- Expertise and Standards: AP Moller-Maersk will attract ships for recycling and offer consultancy to ensure operations meet international standards.
- Steel Processing: Bahrain Steel will process the steel from the recycling process for local and international distribution.
Statements from Key Officials:
- Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable development through strategic public-private partnerships, aligning with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. He highlighted the ministry’s dedication to promoting international practices in maritime and recycling sectors.
- Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stated that the MoU underscores Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, circular economy principles, and environmental and social governance as part of the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026). He noted the initiative’s role in supporting carbon neutrality and reducing the industrial sector’s carbon footprint.
- Ahmed Hassan, Head of Procurement at AP Moller-Maersk, expressed pride in sharing Maersk’s technical and operational knowledge with Bahrain. He noted that Maersk’s ship recycling programme follows standards exceeding International Maritime Organisation guidelines, addressing waste management, labour standards, human rights, and anti-corruption.
Economic and Environmental Impact:
The ship recycling project is expected to drive local economic growth by capitalizing on commercial activities from recycled materials. It supports Bahrain’s sustainable development goals, promoting a circular economy and advancing carbon neutrality efforts.
