Ammon News - The southern port city of Aqaba on Thursday marked the fifth Maritime Day, under the title "Jordan’s maritime sector in light of COVID-19".

Transport Minister Marwan Khitan, who inaugurated the annual event, said that despite the pandemic; Aqaba ports worked around the clock with all due diligence to provide goods and commodities to the Jordanian market.

"Celebrating Maritime Day is a great opportunity to communicate with all sectors operating in the sea and evaluate procedures according to international standards," he added, noting that the Jordan Maritime Commission seeks to increase the number of ships and maritime vessels, whether those registered under the Jordanian Flag, or others coming from abroad.

Director General of the Commission, Mohammad Salman, explained that several committees were formed during the pandemic to draw health protocols that may curb the spread of the virus, as the maritime sector continued to perform during the lockdown.

"Throughout the time of lockdown, the Commission’s personnel continued following up on ships coming to the port of Aqaba, developing emergency plans for weather conditions, as well as licensing entities operating in the maritime sector," he added, pointing out that 80 percent of exports to Jordan and neighboring countries pass through the ports of Aqaba.

The Maritime Day is held in memory of His Majesty the late King Hussein, who inaugurated the Aqaba Ports Corporation on February 11, 1965.