Welcome to MENAS

The Middle East Gulf region's leading innovator in the supply and maintenance of Aids to Navigation

The Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) is a subsidiary of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN). It owns and maintains an extensive network of buoys, lighthouses and Racons, mostly located in remote areas more than 12 nautical miles from the shore, and generally in hazardous areas such as narrow waterways leading to main ports in the Middle East Gulf region.

Supporting safety in the Middle East Gulf

The Middle East Gulf is one of the world’s busiest trade lanes, servicing the global oil and products markets. Maintaining safe navigation in the area is of utmost importance. MENAS provides a service of buoys fitted with AtoN satellite based monitoring system for the health of the AtoN equipment and with automatic identification system (AIS) transponders to not only track the location of the buoy but to monitor passing traffic conditions and carry out risk assessments.

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Key services to shipping

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Aids to Navigation (AtoN)

MENAS owns and maintains an extensive network of navigation beacons, buoys and lighthouses for safe navigation of vessels in the region.

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MSI Services

MENAS provides MSI services which cover four essential activities: 1) Regional Navigational Warnings
2) Notice to Mariners (NTM)
3 ) Weather Forecast Bulletins 4) Weekly Navtex Bulletins 

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Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)

Since 1997, MENAS  continues to operate a free-to-air differential global positioning system (DGPS) for the region which assists safe navigation.

risk assessment

AtoN Risk Assessment Service (RAS)

MENAS uses two IALA risk assessment tools, including other marine publications to study and calculate the probability of collision or grounding. This service is also provided commercially upon request.

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Training

MENAS delivers accredited Aids to Navigation (AtoN) training courses according to IALA WWA modules designed to improve AtoN level of service.

Latest News

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Ship Management International interviews IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill

IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill was delighted to be interviewed for the January/February issue of Ship Management International, published today (29th February). In the ‘How I Work’ feature, she talks about her role as CEO, which she took up last autumn, and also lists what she sees as the vital assets that help the charitable organisation …

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IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill recognised as one of Top 100 Women in maritime

Catherine Mulvihill, CEO of MENAS’ parent organisation IFAN (International Foundation for Aids to Navigation), has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in the maritime industry by All About Shipping. The shortlist was compiled from a total of 1,007 women who were nominated from all sectors of the shipping industry. Ms Mulvihill said: …

IFAN CEO Catherine Mulvihill recognised as one of Top 100 Women in maritime Read More »

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Our February newsletter is out now!

In this issue, we talk about the official ceremony to launch MENAS’ new solar panel system at its Bahrain headquarters. There’s also news about the visit by MENAS’ parent organisation, IFAN, to IALA’s headquarters in France, where discussions focused on the 2024 IALA World-Wide Academy work plan and strategies to strengthen relations between IALA and IFAN.  Plus, …

Our February newsletter is out now! Read More »

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