The Bahrain Transportation Ministry has launched an online registry portal for ship owners, said a report.

As part of the ministry's efforts to integrate latest technology into its business practices in line with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, its Port and Maritime Affairs has announced the official launch of Ship Registry Portal (SRP) to help all ship owners whose vessels are registered under Bahrain's ship registry, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The SRP offers users various services that are easily accessible via the web. It also provides notices and alerts to ship owners on their application's status as well as any other updates.

The portal includes a payment gateway that enables users to pay any licences or other associated fees.

Ports and Maritime Affairs acting under-secretary Hassan Al Majed said the aim of this new portal is to facilitate services and establish 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 said this system is the first of its kind in the world and serves as an important step in placing 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.

The ministry will be accepting both manual and online applications for the first three months from the portal's launch to allow ship owners to familiarise themselves with the new system. Following this transitional period, only online applications will be accepted.-TradeArabia News Service