Jun 23 - Top Prize Awarded to Gibraltar Maritime Administration
Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) has been admitted into the prestigious United States Coastguard's Quality Shipping in the 21st Century Programme (Qualship 21) for the second year running. This accolade underlines the excellent technical performance of Gibraltar-registered ships in US ports.
Minister for Tourism, Commercial Affairs, Public Transport and the Port Neil Costa welcomed the news and said it was a positive reflection of the investment in resources carried out by the Gibraltar Government in the GMA, to continue building the Rock’s reputation as an international maritime centre of excellence
Minister Costa noted, ‘I would once again like to congratulate our ship representatives for maintaining such high standards and also the professional staff at the Gibraltar Maritime Administration, led by Richard Montado, who are doing an excellent job in promoting Gibraltar as a centre of reference for the maritime industry.’
The official certificate issued to the local Maritime Administration by the US Department of Homeland Security has been signed by Rear Admiral Joseph A Servidio of the US Coast Guard.
In the covering letter to the GMA, Commander US Coast Guard, S R Keel of the Vessel Compliance Division writes:
‘I would like to congratulate your Administration on its qualification for continuance in the United States Coast Guard’s Quality Shipping for the 21st Century Program. Your commitment to quality shipping was evident as merchant vessels flagged by your registry that called on US ports have compiled an excellent Port State Control record in the past three calendar years.’
Maritime Administrator Richard Montado said international recognition of this nature is a major incentive for quality ship-owners whether new or existing clients, as there are only some 20 flag states in the world on the Qualship 21 list.
Mr Montado commented, ‘we are extremely pleased that the reputation and quality standards of our registries are highly thought of in the US which is all the more significant at a time when the Gibraltar Government is keen to extend commercial and political links with Washington.’
