The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, M.P., Minister of Transport and Aviation, says the outlook for the continued growth of the Bahamas Ship Register is excellent. Noting that the shipping industry continues to expand at a rapid rate, the Minister also points out that *”The Bahamas has the ability to take on a leadership role in Maritime Affairs – which has tremendous career opportunities for Bahamians.”*
Her remarks came during her contribution to the 2005-2006 National Budget Debate underway in Parliament. The Register has maintained its position as the world’s third largest international fleet, measured by gross tonnage. And, reportedly, there are some 154 ships on order already scheduled for the Register.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) administers the Ship Register. Its operating costs have been well contained according to Minister Hanna-Martin, with some $28 million remitted to the Government of the Bahamas from 1995 (the year it was formed) to 2004. For the year ending June 2005, some $4 million will be remitted.