The Government of The Bahamas will assist wherever possible to ensure that the opportunities that lay within the shipping industry at the global level are taken advantage of.
Addressing members of the media following a tour of the LJM Maritime Academy Monday (July 17, 2017), Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said the global shipping industry is a “new frontier” with untapped potential for The Bahamas.
Prime Minister Minnis said the industry does not only provide great opportunities for economic development for The Bahamas, but can also create “great job opportunities” for untold numbers of Bahamians.
International shipping experts say they expect a shortfall of 147,500 in the number of Officers needed onboard these ships by the year 2025. Officer categories that are in short supply include engineer officers at management level and officers for specialized ships such as chemical tankers and LNG and LPG Carriers.
The Report further said that from 2005 to 2015, the total number of seafarers grew from 1,187,000 in 2005 to 1,647,500 in 2015.
“This is a great market, but we have not tapped into the shipping industry the way we should have,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “All of the facilities are here for training and the students — after completing the course — are well qualified and can perform on any of the ships that are registered or ships that travel throughout the world.
“When you look at the type of income that they make, great resources and income can be sent back to The Bahamas as remittances and that will help to grow our economy,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis said the Government will do all it can to ensure that Bahamians are given every opportunity for employment in the shipping industry.
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