We are pleased to bring you the 37th edition of The Flag newsletter, with the latest updates from The Bahamas Maritime Authority, along with insightful contributions from our global partners.
In this edition, Captain Hutchinson, The BMA’s Managing Director & CEO, identifies the three key issues facing the shipping industry today: seafarers; the environment; and technology.
We were honoured to welcome the Hon Jobeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transport & Housing, to London for her first official overseas engagement, where she had a fruitful and productive meeting with IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim discussing areas of mutual interest for the maritime sector. A warm welcome is also extended to our new Board of Directors with Jacqueline Simmons as the Chairman, who along with Minister Coleby-David, demonstrates the female contribution to the Authority’s strategic aims.
Bahamas Shipowners Association’s Chairman John Adams addresses the difficulties arising from the current geopolitical situation and how it is affecting seafarers.
Find out about The BMA’s recent agreement with Ben Line Agencies to extend its global representation through South Korea, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding and ship-owning nations.
We explain why The BMA has become an Ambassador of Namepa, the North American Marine Protection Association, and the importance of sustainability to the Authority.
The BMA’s ongoing commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible international standards has been recognised by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) through its Qualship 21 programme. The Flag’s consistent adherence to quality ensures its continued high-ranking performance, further underlined by our ranking in the top echelons of the Paris MoU White List while our Concentrated Inspection Campaign on pilot transfer arrangements demonstrates the value we place on safety – our findings are explored here.
We provide an update from our Maritime Affairs Department who have been actively engaged both at the IMO as well as in industry-based meetings. We have also been proud to honour the many influential women working in maritime on International Women’s Day and we are fully supportive of the IMO’s decision to mark this contribution on an annual basis.
The BMA has built a varied and diverse fleet portfolio as can be seen through the wide range of newly registered vessels showcased in The Flag, including the BMA’s first LNG powered passenger ship, the world’s largest FLNG and the innovative leading offshore vessel.
Any finally we cannot forget the human element and value of a competent and capable personnel and we take the opportunity to introduce some of the new BMA team who will enable the delivery of our renowned quality service.
As we progress to living with COVID19 and more in-person engagement, we hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Flag and we continue to welcome input and proposals for future editorial.
Charlotte Ward
Marketing & Communications
