MENAS has signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), further cementing their relationship and their joint aim of enhancing safe navigation and protecting the environment.
MENAS General Manager, Mahdi Al Mosawi, was delighted to welcome Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher, National Hydrographer and Director of Data Acquisition and Defence, together with Tim Lewis, Head of Partnering and Engagement for the UKHO in the Middle East and Africa, to MENAS’ headquarters in Bahrain to discuss their collaboration and to sign the MOU.
The last MOU was signed in 2004, so this revised agreement will remain in force for the next five years. The spirit of the MOU recognises the work of the UKHO in hydrography and marine geospatial information as well as MENAS’ role in ensuring safety and the development of Aids to Navigation throughout the Gulf waters. The scope of this MOU covers the strategic relationship between the UKHO/MENAS and their ethos to support each other.
Mr Al Mosawi said: “We are pleased to be continuing our important relationship with the UKHO which has been further enhanced through our renewed MOU. During their visit to our headquarters in Bahrain, we were able to discuss our overview and strategic direction with them. We are very happy to be working so closely together to create safe navigation for vessels in the Gulf region.”
Rear Admiral Hatcher added: “MENAS’s work chimes with our look over the horizon to the transition from paper to digital, smarter ports and voyage optimisation, as well as green fuel initiatives. It was an honour and privilege to visit their headquarters and to sign the new MOU in person. We have all endured challenging times during the pandemic, and are still in transition out of that journey. However, the ability to meet together enriched our discussions and we look forward to a strong working relationship moving forward.”