Representatives from the Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) and the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) joined more than 60 delegates from 23 countries at the IALA Workshop on Sustainability in Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Provision, hosted by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in Dublin from 6 to 10 October 2025.
The workshop, organised by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in collaboration with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, brought together experts and practitioners from across the maritime sector to explore how sustainability can be further embedded into AtoN operations to balance safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
MENAS was represented by its General Manager, Mahdi Al Mosawi and Technical Manager Shaheen Mirza Ismaeel, alongside IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill, reaffirming both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable navigation practices that safeguard mariners, communities, and the marine environment.
![20251007 103702[66]](https://menas.bh/wp-content/uploads/20251007_10370266-1024x768.jpg)
Over five days, participants took part in expert presentations from across the global maritime community on sustainability frameworks, energy efficiency, and lifecycle management of AtoN infrastructure. Breakout working groups identified areas where additional IALA guidance and technical recommendations are needed, while discussions also led to the development of a draft sustainability framework designed to inform future IALA standards and best practices for environmentally responsible AtoN provision.
The workshop provided an opportunity to exchange experiences on the role of technology, innovation, and capacity building in helping maritime authorities meet sustainability objectives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Commenting on the workshop, Mahdi Al Mosawi, General Manager of MENAS, highlighted the importance of sustainability in the organisation’s operations:
“Sustainability is at the heart of MENAS’s mission. By taking part in this global dialogue, we ensure that our approach to maritime safety evolves with the highest environmental standards, helping protect both people and the planet.”
The event concluded with a visit to the Lighthouse Tourism and Maritime Heritage Conference at Dublin Castle, celebrating the cultural and historical importance of lighthouses in promoting public awareness of maritime safety and coastal heritage.
.