U.S. Ambassador visits Khalifa Bin Salman Port to discuss bilateral trade and supply chain collaboration in Bahrain

As part of the U.S. Embassy’s Discover America Week, APM Terminals Bahrain proudly welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven C. Bondy to Khalifa Bin Salman Port, underscoring the strong and enduring economic partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This visit highlights the deepening economic cooperation between the two nations and their shared commitment to advancing trade, investment, and facilitating global supply chain efficiency. 

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, this milestone has seen bilateral trade quadruple since its signing in 2004. Ambassador Bondy’s tour of the port and meetings with senior APM Terminals executives focused on the advanced infrastructure facilities of the port and exploring new avenues to further enhance trade flows and support U.S. companies operating in Bahrain.

Khalifa Bin Salman Port plays a vital role in facilitating U.S. exports to the region and beyond, reinforcing Bahrain as a key logistics hub in the Middle East. The port’s strategic location, coupled with APM Terminals’ innovative and customisable commercial solutions, ensures that it remains a cornerstone for advancing economic collaboration between the two nations.

“Our partnership with Bahrain, anchored by the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), continues to drive shared prosperity and stability,” said U.S. Ambassador Steven C. Bondy. “Today’s discussions at Khalifa Bin Salman Port emphasised the critical role of trade and investment in fostering economic growth, strengthening supply chains, and creating high-value opportunities for both our nations. As we look ahead, we are committed to building on this strong foundation to further enhance the commercial relationship between the United States and Bahrain.”

The discussions also focused on the recent establishment of the U.S. Trade Zone in Bahrain, which seeks to further integrate U.S. companies into Bahrain’s growing economy. Located in close proximity to Khalifa Bin Salman Port, the U.S. Trade Zone is expected to drive further growth in bilateral trade, create jobs, and facilitate greater cooperation between American and Bahraini businesses.

Matthew Luckhurst, Managing Director of APM Terminals Bahrain, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enabling trade and supporting Bahrain’s economic development. “At APM Terminals Bahrain, we are dedicated to facilitating the global supply chain by delivering world-class services that enhance trade efficiency,” said Luckhurst. “This visit with Ambassador Bondy reaffirms our commitment to facilitating stronger trade ties between Bahrain and the United States, fostering new partnerships that will drive economic growth and prosperity for years to come. Our strategic location and cutting-edge infrastructure allow us to provide seamless connectivity for businesses in the region and across the globe.

As part of its commitment to Bahrain’s national sustainability goals, APM Terminals Bahrain has outlined a robust plan to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader decarbonisation strategy led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The decarbonisation roadmap began with a $10 million investment in renewable energy, installing solar panels covering 100% of the terminal's electricity needs, effectively make Khalifa Bin Salman Port the region’s first fully electric energy-sufficient seaport by the end of 2024.

The visit, taking place during Discover America Week, underscores both nations’ dedication to not only enhancing trade and commerce but also working together on shared values such as sustainability, innovation, and long-term economic growth. As Bahrain and the United States continue to build on their historic partnership, the groundwork laid by this visit will drive future collaboration and development in the years to come.