Global Arab Network | Oman: 25 % increase in maritime ports traffic

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Oman: 25 % increase in maritime ports traffic

Global Arab Network - - Gamal Ragay

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 19:35

Global Arab Network - With the development of new ports and many other marine related activities, the Sultanate’s ports have witnessed an average increase of about 25 per cent in maritime traffic in recent years. This has resulted in many upgrades in maritime safety system, including the steps to avoid the risk of collision between ships in congested areas and port approaches and the risk of grounding.

Khalil al Balushi, General Manager of Arabian Maritime and Navigation Aids Services (AMNAS), during a media briefing yesterday, said: “Since maritime activities are important for the Sultanate and its economy, it is pertinent for us to keep ourselves updated and provide the best possible services to all those who operate in the Omani waters.”

Keeping this in mind AMNAS, in association with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and Ministry of Transport and Communication is hosting the international IALA Risk Assessment Seminar in Muscat from November 27-December 1, he added.

The five-day event will be attended by 50 international delegates from 11 countries. Speakers from Denmark, US Coast Guard, Australia, Norway and Holland will be attending the conference. From Oman, port authorities, universities and colleges, industrial houses and ministries are likely to take part in the seminar.

The focus of the seminar will be maritime risks, which are assessed using tools such as PAWSA (Port and Waterways Safety Assessment) and IWRAP (IALA Waterway Risk Assessment Programme). PAWSA comprises waterway stakeholders and can be expected to produce results relating to both risks of collisions and groundings and their consequences that will be generally supported by all users and authorities concerned with the waterway.

“Similarly, IWRAP compromises of a computer programme that uses statistical data relating to vessels, navigational methods and channel conditions to produce results relating to collisions and groundings. The third method is by using simulator technique to assess the risks in channels and port areas,” said Khalil (pictured).

Commenting on the importance of the seminar, Khalil said: “AMNAS was keen to organise this seminar in Oman keeping in mind the increase in maritime traffic as also to raise awareness for mariners safety.

“This will help raise awareness on issues related to the very important industry in the region. The focus of the maritime industry in Oman has grown tremendously in the past years with huge investments in ports and shipping, and all this requires safe waters for mariners to use.

AMNAS is always striving to provide the best services in the field of Aids to Navigation and Safety of Navigation in Omani waters and fulfil the countries obligation in this regard.”

“Arranging this seminar is part of our work to enhance the safety of navigation in the region and Oman so as to provide safe waters for mariners from around the globe to use.

Having this type of maritime seminars in Oman for the first time in this region is a good sign that safety of navigation is considered a priority for the government of the Sultanate under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

I wish the participants who are coming from various countries a successful seminar and enjoyable time in Oman in these glorious days as we are celebrating the 41st National Day,” said Khalil.

The government of the Sultanate granted Arabian Maritime and Navigation Aids Services — AMNAS — the exclusive right and privilege in late 2003 to provide Aids to Navigation service throughout the Sultanate’s Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Since its inception AMNAS is involved in efficient operation and planned maintenance of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) equipment and structures such as lighthouses, beacons, racons and buoys situated along the Sultanate’s 1,709 nautical mile (3,600 kilometre) coastline and offshore islands.

It is also involved in the strategic management of the service to ensure that the Sultanate’s ‘Aids to navigation network’ meets the standards set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), as directed by International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

AMNAS also develops government endorsed plans to enhance and extend the existing network of AtoN with value added features such as differential Global Positioning and GMDSS features to meet both current and future patterns of maritime traffic density. (omanobserver)

Global Arab Network

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