Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the second Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference (SMIC 2025), hosted in Jeddah on September 3–4 under the theme "Sailing Towards a Sustainable Future".
The event was organised by the Saudi Transport General Authority under the patronage of Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, with the participation of ministers, ambassadors, maritime industry leaders, and international organisations including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to supporting international initiatives to enhance maritime transport sustainability, noting that innovation and modern technologies are essential for operational efficiency and emissions reduction in this vital sector.
He added that Bahrain’s participation in regional and international conferences reflects its commitment to Gulf and global cooperation and expertise exchange, in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, while strengthening the Kingdom’s logistics capabilities and strategic role as a regional trade hub.
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During the ministerial session, he addressed challenges facing global and regional supply chains, including the impacts of COVID 19, climate change, and geopolitical tensions on maritime security. He underlined the need for greater digitisation, stronger public-private partnerships, and the integration of sustainability with security to ensure safe and environmentally friendly shipping corridors.
He further highlighted long term requirements for sustainability, including coordinated regional and international efforts to reduce emissions and advance digital transformation, the development of green shipping corridors between ports, standardised digital platforms and emissions reporting, and regional sustainability funds to support innovation and small and medium sized enterprises.
Conference sessions also focused on advanced maritime technologies, the role of digitisation and cybersecurity in efficiency and safety, and the contribution of maritime professionals to building a sustainable transport industry. Workshops covered carbon reduction strategies in shipping, roadmaps for small and medium maritime enterprises, and the development of green financial and insurance solutions to support sustainable growth.
