GOP gears up for new Ship Registry portal

The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) is undergoing preparations ahead of the expected launch of its new online ship registry portal. As part of these steps, the GOP held a training session for all ship owners registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to introduce them to the GOP’s new Ship Registry Portal (SRP). The training session was designed to prepare ship owners for the launch of the new Portal, introducing them to the system and explaining how it will simplify and streamline the ship registry and associated services process. The training programme was held at the GOP headquarters and was conducted by Affno Middle East.

The new Ship Registry Portal (SRP) will be available around the clock providing all Ship Registry eServices online, creating a more simple and convenient interactive platform for ship owners to complete necessary procedures. A simple application form is available through the GOP, and all ship owners are urged to become registered users of the new system prior to its launch in order to become familiar with the portal and ease the transition period.

Registered customers will be able to submit eService applications online, as well as track the status of applications and make online payments through a secure transaction channel using their credit cards. It will also include an exclusive auto notification system which will send notices and updates to the GOP’s customers using a simple easy-to-use SMS interface or by emails. Ship owners will also benefit from quicker responses and tracking services as all their eService requests will be processed through a digital workflow within the Ship Registry.

“We are continuously striving to demonstrate professional excellence within the shipping industry in addition to providing high quality services to meet the growing needs of our customers. The launch of the new Ship Registry Portal will mark the achievement of one of our main strategic objectives for 2011-2016. With the new SRP, we will be able to provide our customers with an easy-to-use and convenient system for interacting with the Ship Registry, reaffirming the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a leader in the shipping industry,” GOP Director General, Hassan Ali Al Majed said.

“The new Ship Registry Portal for the General Organisation of Sea Ports is unique in the Gulf region, and we believe it will be extremely beneficial to ship owners as it will allow them to conduct their business online through the portal. The training for the ship owners was a resounding success, and was readily welcomed by all who attended as a well executed initiative. This ground breaking new Portal, once launched, will position the GOP—and for that matter, Bahrain– as a pioneer in the region, and will highlight their commitment to streamlining operations and simplifying processes for the maritime industry,” Chief Executive officer of Affno Middle East, Suren Kannangara said.