The global maritime industry has dropped anchor in the UAE, aiming to take advantage of the popularity of the region as the fastest growing trade route, its offshore developments and port expansions.
Major regional and international players in shipping, ship repair, offshore support, port development and other related areas have converged on the biennial Gulf Maritime trade fair and MASTECH conference at Expo Centre Sharjah to explore rising business opportunities in the region.
Held under the patronage of Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the ninth Gulf Maritime 2013 was opened by Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah today. It will run until November 27.
It was attended by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO Expo Centre Sharjah, government officials and industry executives.
“We are witnessing a sea of activities in the Gulf waters. Expanding regional economies are seeing a rise in offshore developments, port expansions and mega infrastructure projects, making the Gulf Maritime a magnet for global maritime industry. The show symbolises the region’s rich maritime past as well as its growing stature in the global maritime industry ,” said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa .
According to recent reports, nearly US$30 billion projects related to ports are either under way or set to be awarded in the region. Container traffic through the region is on the rise, with the UAE handling about half of all the containers in the entire region.
The UAE’s status as the regional maritime hub has been cemented by Khalifa Port, which started operations in 2012, and the record 26% volume growth posted by Khorfakkan Container Terminal last year.
Further showcasing the region’s maritime capabilities and deep-water credentials, the Khorfakkan Container Terminal recently welcomed the world’s largest container ship, the 16,000-TEU CMA CGM Marco Polo — only a few ports globally are capable of handling such vessels.
Major offshore developments in the region include Satah al-Razboot (Sarb), Umm al-Lulu, Barzan north field, and Arabiyah & Hasbah oilfield developments, signalling demand for support vessels.
“ For its ninth edition, Gulf Maritime is showcasing the very latest innovations, solutions, products and services from leading global players for the commercial government and military maritime industry in the region. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to network with both local and international exhibitors ,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa .
For the second consecutive year, in association with MAST — an association of naval architects, the MASTECH naval architecture and shipbuilding conference is being held alongside Gulf Maritime on Monday and Tuesday (Nov 25 & 26).
“ Changing regulatory guidelines, safety norms and security concerns imply that naval architects need to keep pace with latest advancements and Mastech 2013, together with Gulf Maritime, will be an event that the regional maritime industry can hardly afford to give a miss, ” said Mr. PJ Shaji, MAST President .
MASTECH is taking up topics such as maritime commerce, ports & shipping, heavy lift/transport, offshore design & development and energy efficiency through speakers who are well-known names in the regional and international maritime industry.
The eighth edition of Gulf Maritime, held in December 2011, attracted 2,316 trade visitors and delegates from 44 countries, as against 1,890 visitors for its previous edition. MASTECH 2011 saw about 638 delegates attending the presentation of nearly 20 technical papers in five sessions.
Gulf Maritime trade exhibition will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 25 to 27, 2013, while the MASTECH naval architecture and shipbuilding conference will be held on the first two days of Gulf Maritime. Timings will be from 10am to 6pm daily while the admission is free and restricted to trade and professional visitors only.
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Press Release, November 25, 2013