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APM Terminals Bahrain hit by regional disruption
Financial results issued by APM Terminals Bahrain, the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port, for the first quarter of 2026 demonstrate the severe impact ongoing regional security issues are having on the ports business inside the Middle East Gulf. Revenues for the first three months of the year were down 19.6% to BHD 8.1 million, while operating profits slumped 52.3% to BHD 1.3 million due to closure of the strait and volume disruption in March.
APM Terminals Bahrain says that all three of its business segments were impacted. Container terminal revenue decreased by 13.2%, general cargo by 32.1%, and marine by 16.1%.
The decline reflects the operational consequences of the ongoing regional conflict since the beginning of March. Second quarter figures are likely to be even more severely impacted, although the company says the effects are being partially mitigated by proactive cost optimisation measures.
Recently APM Terminals Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the country’s Port and Maritime Affairs (PMA) department to launch the VTMS National Employment Programme (NEP), aimed at training, certifying and employing Bahraini nationals in Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS). The initiative formalises a partnership between APM Terminals Bahrain and PMA to support the development of Bahraini talent in the maritime sector through a structured two-year programme.
Under the programme, six Bahraini nationals will undergo specialised training and operational development in Vessel Traffic Management Systems, leading to the internationally recognised IALA VTS Operator C0103 certification, ensuring alignment with global maritime standards. As part of the programme, participants will also complete an intensive five-week training course in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports Academy.
