The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT Harbour is “one of the safest” in the world, according to the harbour company in a press statement issued on Tuesday.

This comes in response to recent concerns by Erin Ferguson, of the Bahamas Maritime Pilots Association.

Pilots conduct an average of 3,500 ship moves a year. The company reported that there have been on average less than a quarter of one per cent of this number resulting in an incident or accident over the past two years.

“Our outstanding safety record is supported on many levels despite the ill-informed remarks purely on the basis of hearsay and the less than truthful claims of special interests,” said Godfrey Smith, CEO of HPH Holdings (Bahamas).

“The Freeport Harbour Company (FHC) has consistently complied with the recommendations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements inclusive of ensuring ongoing training for all Pilots and maritime industry personnel.”

FHC has also incorporated in its safety management system the IMO marine and safety committees’ recommendations on training and certification for marine pilots.The system is certified to the internationally recognised OHSAS 18001 standard.

The company said the steady growth in companies that have chosen to make Freeport harbour their home is a further testament to the confidence held in it.

Mr Smith further noted that “with the exception of the downturn due to the global recession experienced several years ago”, Freeport Harbour Company and its partners in the harbour continue to experience growth. In fact, he indicated expansion plans are under way for several of these enterprises.

“The Freeport Harbour Company has been very responsive to suggestions or critiques from stakeholders to ensure the quality of service to our maritime partners. We have consistently investigated and where necessary or feasible, remedied any and all matters highlighted by stakeholders internally or externally. Which is why we brand the characterisations by certain local and overseas interests as patently false, misleading and reckless.”

Fifteen marine pilots out of 18 in Grand Bahama have given their notice at BORCO, Freeport Harbour, and Statoil. The 15 pilots will be providing services under a newly formed company, The Freeport Pilotage Company Ltd, at the end of March.