Bahamas and Saudi Arabia: Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

In recent years, The Bahamas and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have taken significant steps to strengthen their maritime cooperation, reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing the global maritime industry.

On March 11, 2025, delegations from both nations convened at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London during the 49th Session of the Facilitation Committee. The Bahamian delegation, led by the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy and Transport, engaged with the Saudi delegation headed by Eng. Kamal Al Junaidi, Permanent Representative to the IMO. Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in seafarer education, digital transformation, and global trade facilitation. Both parties emphasized their dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability within the maritime sector, aiming to build a more resilient and inclusive industry.

A focal point of the meeting was the development of future maritime professionals and the promotion of gender diversity. Saudi Arabia highlighted the success of its women-only maritime training program, which received over 600 applications, indicating a growing interest among women in maritime careers. The Bahamas showcased its initiatives through the Bahamas Maritime Authority, particularly in providing Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) training to seafarers.

The delegations also exchanged insights on port digitization strategies. Dr. Majed Al Malik, Vice President of Shared Services and Digital Transformation at the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), shared Saudi Arabia's achievements in implementing its Maritime Single Window system. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global logistics hub. Both nations agreed to explore future collaboration on digital infrastructure, data management, and the implementation of Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) systems to enhance maritime domain awareness across The Bahamas' archipelago.

Further solidifying their relationship, Prime Minister Philip E. Davis of The Bahamas attended the inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in Riyadh on November 16-17, 2023. The summit addressed various areas of mutual concern, including maritime cooperation, education, food security, energy, and tourism. Leaders discussed promoting peace and security through mutual cooperation and explored opportunities to enhance trade and investment between Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean region.

The burgeoning maritime cooperation between The Bahamas and Saudi Arabia signifies a strategic partnership aimed at fostering sustainable development and economic diversification. By investing in critical areas such as maritime education, digital transformation, and infrastructure modernization, both nations are poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of the global maritime industry.