The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) joined members of the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) and representatives from across the maritime industry in Genoa on 30 September for the BSA Annual General Meeting and Maritime Industry Forum 2026, held under the theme “Building Resilience in a Changing Maritime Landscape.”

The event provided an important opportunity for direct engagement between the BMA, shipowners and other industry stakeholders on regulatory, operational and strategic matters affecting the international fleet.

The BMA delegation was led by Board Chairman Jacqueline M. Simmons, accompanied by Deputy Chairman Peter John Goulandris; Managing Director & CEO Capt. Dwain Hutchinson; Stephen Keenan, Senior Deputy Director (Inspections & Surveys); and Capt. Ghulam Hussain, Deputy Director (Maritime Affairs). The team provided an update on the Authority, including the Bahamas fleet, legislative developments, key achievements and the BMA’s strategic direction for growth, with continued emphasis on industry engagement, digitalisation and quality customer service.

The BMA also took the opportunity to recognise outgoing BSA Chairman Capt. Domenico Rognoni and Manager Anders Brodjie, expressing its appreciation for their contributions to the Association and their support of the longstanding relationship between the BSA and the BMA. A warm welcome and commitment to collaboration was extended to Simon Church as the incoming BSA Manager.

The importance of the BMA’s active engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) was also highlighted, alongside its continued collaboration with shipowners to support practical and effective regulation. This engagement is increasingly important as the maritime industry seeks greater clarity and certainty while shipowners and the seafarers serving on their ships navigate the deadly risk of wars, while resolving  pathways towards decarbonisation and the transition to cleaner shipping.

During the Maritime Industry Forum, a further update was provided on Port State Control (PSC), including The Bahamas Flag’s QUALSHIP 21 status, global PSC performance, enhanced monitoring and the use of inspection intelligence to provide targeted guidance to owners and managers. Discussions also considered global trends that may affect PSC outcomes, crew training and the importance of continued engagement with PSC regimes internationally.

The BMA values its longstanding relationship with the BSA and the practical insight its members bring to the work of the Authority. Continued dialogue with key industry stakeholders, including shipowners and managers, helps the BMA better understand emerging challenges, strengthen its services and ensure that the Bahamas Flag continues to combine high regulatory standards with practical, responsive and customer-focused support.