Bühler GmbHTelestackGeneva DryTMS Awards 2023TOC AmericasSailors Society
  • TBA Group
  • TOC Americas
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Sailors Society
  • Van Aalst
  • Bühler GmbH

MENAS and Inchcape reach strategic Mideast agreement

MENAS and Inchcape reach strategic Mideast agreement

(Posted on 10/02/21)

The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) has taken a huge step forward in its effort to ensure ship owners are able to pay for navigational aids provision in the Middle East Gulf, by signing a cooperation agreement with Inchcape Shipping Services that will contract the ship agency company to collect navigation aids dues from the ships it looks after in the waterway.

The agreement, covering all Inchcape offices in the Middle East, is the first one in a series to formalise and standardise the collection of nav dues processes and accountabilities across all ship agencies working with MENAS on the collection of nav dues.

Operating from its main base in Bahrain and a support base in Abu Dhabi, The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS), a subsidiary of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), owns and maintains an extensive network of 58 buoys, lighthouses and Racons, mostly located in remote areas more than 12 nautical miles from the shore, and generally in hazardous areas such as narrow waterways leading to main ports. Most of these Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) are classified as Category 1 (Vital), according to International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) principles. MENAS also owns four DGPS transmitters providing essential positioning information and also broadcasts on VHF giving advice such as the issuance of Notices to Mariners, advising on hazards to shipping and co-ordinating additions to navigation charts for the Gulf. Over 2,000 vessels rely upon MENAS equipment and services each month.

Peter Stanley, CEO of MENAS and IFAN, welcomed the agency agreement as the first step in ensuring that owners honour their responsibilities when it comes to paying for safe navigation in the Middle East Gulf. This agreement provides them with a simple and effective means of paying Nav Dues, he stressed.

He said: “This formal agreement with Inchcape Shipping Services now means that we have a clear understanding of the standards that are expected over collections and certificates issued to shipowners.

“Both companies support the safe navigation in all the world’s trade lanes, not least in the Middle East Gulf, and owners must step up to the mark and do their bit by paying the necessary nav dues. We remain committed to ensuring navigational aids in the region are properly maintained and modernised, but this takes significant investment,” Mr Stanley added.

Errol Seaman, Inchcape Shipping Services, Area General Manager for the Southern Gulf, praised the work of MENAS in helping to ensure safe navigation in the Gulf. He said: “Light dues and navigational aids are a very important element in our business and for the shipping industry in general. Without them, global trade would struggle. This agreement reflects the tremendous effort by MENAS in ensuring navigational aids in the region are well maintained.”

Capt Atul Shukla, Inchcape Shipping Services, Cluster Manager for the Southern Gulf, Marine Survey and Inspection Division, added: “Inchcape and MENAS have a long history of successfully working together and we welcome this service agreement, as it enforces our joint commitment to safe navigation in the area. Inchcape is and has always been a strong supporter of safe navigation and is committed to contributing to making our oceans safer. We are delighted to be able to dedicate our resources in this way to assist MENAS in its excellent work.”

MENAS has previously warned of the need to upgrade or replace the navigational aids as they near the end of their life expectancy. Plans for investments are being drawn up to renew the four DGPS transmitters so that they continue to deliver quality navigational signals in the Gulf region.

Latest News

U-Ming Marine appoints Anemoi to install Rotor Sails on VLOC

(Posted on 29/11/24)

Leading wind-propulsion technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (“Anemoi”) and... Read more


Liberia Receives IMSAS Audit

(Posted on 29/11/24)

The Liberian Registry, the world’s largest flag registry is undergoing the International Maritime... Read more


NorthStandard and NNPC enter into strategic partnership

(Posted on 29/11/24)

NorthStandard has announced a new and expanded strategic partnership with Noord Nederlandsche P&... Read more


Maritime appetite for cyber risk higher than other industries

(Posted on 20/11/24)

A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the... Read more


NorthStandard adjusts for future with precautionary premiums increase

(Posted on 20/11/24)

The return of higher claim volumes during 2024, increased exposure to larger claims, and continuing... Read more


ClassNK ELW on improving seafarers’ living conditions for Tokei Kaiun bulker

(Posted on 12/11/24)

ClassNK has granted its ‘ELW (HP)’ (Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics... Read more


FONASBA elects new President and Board

(Posted on 12/11/24)

The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has held its annual meeting... Read more


10,000 cadets benefit from Sailors’ Society virtual conferences

(Posted on 12/11/24)

Record-breaking numbers of cadets and ratings from across the globe have attended the 2024 Sailors&rsquo... Read more


Algoma’s stronger quarter signals promising close to the year

(Posted on 04/11/24)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30... Read more


Urgent need for updated medical guide for ships

(Posted on 04/11/24)

Marine Medical Solutions, a key player in maritime healthcare, is raising awareness to the urgent need... Read more


Port of South LouisianaVan AalstPort of StocktonCimbriaViganTBA Group
  • Vigan
  • Cimbria
  • Port of South Louisiana

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping