Experts to Address Regional Maritime Industry

Over 30 of the world’s foremost maritime authorities will share their latest industry insight at the seventh biennial Seatrade Middle East Maritime (SMEM) exhibition and conference, which is scheduled to take place in Dubai from 28-30 October 2014, during Dubai Maritime Week.

Speakers and delegates representing international and regional shipping operators, ports, financiers and associated maritime professionals will be welcomed by international broadcaster and journalist, Mishal Husain, who is confirmed as this year’s keynote session moderator and master of ceremonies for the 2014 Seatrade Maritime Awards.

Husain will open up keynote proceedings and introduce HE Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman & Group CEO, Drydocks World and Maritime World and Colonel Rashed Al Hebsi, CEO, Tasneef Emirates Classification Society; who will address the prospects for the region’s shipping companies and their international partners as the world economy continues to grow and ease out of global recession.

“The Middle East is a gateway to the emerging markets of Africa and Asia’s maritime hubs, and our 2014 line-up of speakers are collectively shaping the future of the sector in the region. The confirmation of Mishal Husain as event anchor adds further gravitas to what is the largest gathering of influential industry heads,” said Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, organisers of Seatrade Middle East Maritime.    

A familiar face on television and a UK radio personality, Husain has 15 years’ international broadcast exposure experience, fronting main news bulletins, reporting on location, and interviewing world leaders.

The Seatrade Middle East Maritime conference includes an Economic Forum session on day one, moderated by Marcus Machin, CEO, Tufton Oceanic Middle East Ltd. 

Port Investment and Logistics will be addressed on the morning of day two, with input from experts such as Michael Deleuran – Milaha in Qatar, Dimitris Kostianis - Saudi Ports Authority; Alan Murphy - SeaIntel Maritime Analysis and Dirk Van den Bosch, Chief Commercial Officer, DP World UAE Region.

Bunkering issues in the region are also high on the conference agenda, with Capt. Farhad P. Patel, Director, Sharaf Shipping Agency moderating the session.

Panelist, Christoffer Berg Lassen, CEO, Glander International Bunkering Group, said, ”The Middle East is still at its early stage regarding LNG as bunkers but local operators are placing orders for LNG fuelled harbor tugs. In addition, the United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) has commissioned a series of LNG ready container ships (14.000-18.000 TEU) with deliveries. We expect LNG fuel stations to follow, with Qatar and UAE being the first movers.”   

Patrick Wells, Head of Maritime Department & Acting Deputy Dean Academic Affairs, International Maritime College Oman will moderate the highly anticipated ship repair and refurbishment session with Bernard Veldhoven, Secretary General, International Ship Recycling Association taking the reins for the ship recycling session taking place on the final day of the summit.

Emphasising the importance of recycling, panellist Stephen Drury, Partner, Holman Fenwick Willan said “The availability of a functioning and reliable market for the sale of end of life vessels, and also of suitable facilities for the safe breaking up and disposal of such ships and their materials, are essential components in the wider global industry of marine transportation. The Middle East region, in particular the UAE, is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities for participation in this area.”