KPA affirms boost to GCC maritime transportation ties

KUWAIT: Kuwait Port Authority (KPA) yesterday stressed on the necessity of cooperation and exchange of information among GCC countries in the field of maritime transportation to boost their individual economies. On sidelines of the 26th meeting of the Gulf ports and maritime authorities’ officials, which was held yesterday and will continue today, KPA General Manager Sheikh Yousef Abdullah Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah said that there must be a representative of the Gulf States in the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He adds that it is necessary to establish cooperation for drafting ports’ regulations, issuing joint GCC licenses and holding ports committees meetings for the exchange of information on sea transportation. The meeting is a preparation for the 22nd meeting of ministers and agents in the GCC transport and communication ministries, due in Kuwait in November.

In other news, Minister of Oil, Electricity and Water Bakheet Al-Rashidi has inked a contract, worth KD 9 million (USD 29 million), for importing original spare parts for the Al-Zor power station. A ministry statement released yesterday said the purchased parts would be fitted to the burners and pumps for seawaters, shifted for desalination, and distillation units. The contract works are projected to last for 36 months as of the date of inking the deal.