Bahrain’s General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) has achieved the coveted accolade of the International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO) 9001 Quality Management Systems (QMS) certification for conformity to international standards across all departments within the organisation.

“This certification is testament to GOP’s commitment to maintain a current and effective Quality Management System across all its services positioning Bahrain as a global player in the maritime and shipping industry,” a GOP statement said.

Since its inception, GOP has been fundamentally committed to ensuring better operations, enhanced performance, and improved profitability in its offering to its users and stakeholders. To achieve the ISO 9001 certification, GOP developed and implemented a thorough Quality Assurance System within every department of the organisation conforming to the requirements of the ISO 9001 standards.

Commenting on the announcement, GOP chairman Sheikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa said: “The ISO certification is a significant milestone for the GOP, reaffirming our commitment to Total Quality Management. We are proud to have been awarded the ISO 9001 certification within four years since establishment. This certification underscores GOP’s commitment to its role in maintaining and positioning Bahrain’s maritime and shipping industry as a world-class industry adhering to international standards of quality accepted in the global arena.

“At GOP, we have ensured that an effective quality management system is in place and every department has worked tirelessly towards achieving greater efficiency at all levels. This certification is a testament to GOP’s aspiration to achieve high professionalism and excellent customer service, and is highly significant as it reflects the organisation’s vision and values and a long-term commitment to compete on a global scale.”

GOP committed to excellence
ISO standards are internationally recognised as a template for organising a quality management system that encompasses company operations including training, understanding and meeting customer requirements, purchasing materials and supplies and delivering quality products and services.

GOP began the ISO 9001 certification process during the first quarter of 2010.  An internal audit team of six members was certified to conduct a comprehensive audit as a prerequisite to attain the accreditation. The recognition of conformity of the quality management system at GOP became possible due to the realisation of benchmarks and standards in all divisions pertaining to the development and introduction of the appropriate documentation. The certification was awarded to GOP by registered ISO audit firm DNV after a thorough audit of the quality management system. An audit will be performed every year in order to ensure that the ISO standards are maintained in every department. GOP remains committed to demonstrating the professional excellence of the maritime and shipping industry and offering quality services to meet the increasing needs of users and stakeholders alike.