APM Terminals Bahrain, the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port, has celebrated the graduation of six Bahrainis from its specialised Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) training programme.
The milestone follows a two-year strategic initiative between APM Terminals Bahrain and Port and Maritime Affairs at the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry, aimed at developing national expertise in vessel traffic management and establishing sustainable career pathways within the maritime sector.
The comprehensive programme combined theoretical coursework with practical experience, beginning with an introductory phase inside the port’s control tower.
Trainees completed an intensive five-week programme at Abu Dhabi Ports Academy – preparing them for the internationally recognised IALA VTS Operator C0103 certification – followed by structured on-the-job training at Khalifa Bin Salman Port focusing on maritime safety, vessel traffic monitoring, and operational decision-making.
Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry Ports and Maritime Affairs under-secretary Bader Al Mahmood highlighted that investing in national talent remains a cornerstone of the ministry’s strategy to advance the maritime sector.
Congratulating the graduates, he praised their discipline throughout the training and extended his appreciation to APM Terminals Bahrain for facilitating the initiative, as well as the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) for its ongoing support in qualifying national talent to international standards.
“Earning international certification in vessel traffic management is a demanding technical achievement, and today we are proud to see six Bahraini professionals reach that standard,” said APM Terminals Bahrain managing director Matthew Luckhurst. “Vessel traffic management is one of the most critical functions in any port, and building this capability at home gives Bahrain a lasting advantage. We do not view national talent development as a social commitment alone; we see it as a strategic investment in the resilience and long-term performance of the kingdom’s maritime sector.”
Mr Luckhurst added that the milestone provides a solid foundation for the graduates as they transition into live operations, supporting the kingdom’s broader economic objectives through continued public-private sector collaboration.
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