Leading regional and international players in shipping, ship repair, offshore support, port development and other related areas are in Sharjah to explore rising business opportunities in the region at the biennial "Gulf Maritime trade fair and Mastech Conference".

The event was opened by Ahmed Mohamed Al Midfa, the chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah today (November 25) and will run until November 27.

“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,” remarked Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

The opening ceremony was attended by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, the CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, government officials and industry executives.

According to recent reports, nearly $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 per cent 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 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.
 
The association 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.

“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,” remarked PJ Shaji, Mast president.-TradeArabia News Service