The fifth annual edition of the Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), to be held later this month in Dubai, UAE, will showcase advances in the industry and provide visitors and exhibitors the best possible experience, said officials.

BMME, a leading event for the project cargo and breakbulk sector, will take place on February 25 and 26, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai. It will be hosted by DP World-UAE Region for the second consecutive year.

BBME’s commitment to advancing the industry, while simultaneously providing visitors and exhibitors with the best possible experience, has seen the event grow consistently since its inception, said the organisers at a press conference.

The presser saw the sector’s key decision makers touch on this feat and provided insight into what the 2020 edition will hold.

The two-day conference is once again be held under the patronage of Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and the chairman of the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime.

Engineer Ahmed Al Khouri, director general of the UAE Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime (FTA), said: “We are living in the dawn of a new decade, and there is a strong sense of optimism that this year will be one of great transformation for the UAE.”

“As a result, we are confident that 2020 only marks the beginning of what will surely translate to unprecedented growth for both our country and the entire Middle East. With Expo 2020 set to take place near the end of this year, the world will see Dubai, and the rest of the UAE, in a light which it has never been acquainted with before. As we look forward to this date, Breakbulk Middle East will serve as one of various contributing forces that help in realising of our aspirations,” he added.

Engineer Hessa Al Malek, executive director of Maritime Transport, FTA echoed similar sentiments saying, “Under the wise leadership and vision of our leaders, the UAE is determined to solidify its status as the World’s leading nation by 2071. We are one year away from Vision 2021, an initiative that will see this plan kick into high gear so that we can strategically strive towards achieving this goal.”

“With multiple components involved in successfully achieving this feat, the union of vital sectors and assurance that they work collectively is of much importance. Breakbulk Middle East will serve as a bridge that connects these key sectors, thus helping fuel the UAE’s future success,” Al Malek added.

With 61 per cent of cargo destined for GCC states arriving via UAE seaports, the country’s necessity for a strong maritime infrastructure cannot be overstated. The country’s successful re-bid for Category-B membership within the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Council can be seen as a stepping stone in further increasing this number, and subsequently elevating its already high-profile global maritime ranking.

Additionally, BBME’s collaborative efforts with a company like DP World that handles around 70+ million containers annually can contribute similarly.

Mohammad Jaber, chief operating officer and regional director, Agility, said: “As one of the world’s leading logistics companies, Agility has a deep understanding of the supply chain, technology and personal service to connect our clients’ business with global markets and growth opportunities is something we pride ourselves in.”

“Breakbulk Middle East enables us to develop this knowledge with its dependably topical agenda, as well as expand our customer base with its ability to serve as a strong networking platform that unites a number of sectors. This year’s implementation of ‘Breakbulk AR’ is an initiative that reflects the event’s willingness to innovate and develop technological solutions, and we are sure the benefits from this will be seen in the near future,” he added.

Breakbulk AR, an augmented reality initiative that is set to debut at the event, will allow companies to showcase their company and project capabilities. While BBME’s readiness to innovate can be seen in this, its choice to partner with WISTA (Women in Shipping Trade Association) Arabia – UAE for last year’s inaugural ‘Women in Breakbulk’ initiative is equally as commendable.

Looking to build on this by adding a new dimension, BBME will unveil a ‘Women in Breakbulk Breakfast’ networking platform at the upcoming event, and partner with AWIMA (Arab Women in Maritime Association) to empower women even further.

In addition to its innovative endeavours, BBME is also working to groom the industry’s up-and-coming workforce. Dr Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of Maritime Transport and Technology College, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport-Sharjah highlighted, “Irrespective of the industry, the world is always reliant on future generations to bring forth progress and prosperity. That is why we are thrilled to be the first-ever Knowledge Partner of the event, and are appreciative of Breakbulk Middle Easts’ efforts in developing young people who will be the pioneers of tomorrow.”

Ben Blamire, BBME’s event director, further highlighted the event’s importance and stated: “Over the last five years, we have strategically administered initiatives to grow both the event and its ability to increasingly benefit the industry.”

“This year’s press conference, with yet another panel of reputable speakers, only adds further credibility to the upwards trajectory of Breakbulk Middle East, in addition to reinforcing the success that this year’s edition is certain to bring the industry,” he said.

“We understand and admire the UAE’s commitment to complying with the International Maritime Organization’s regulations. After successfully securing candidacy for B-category elections to the IMO council, it’s our goal to have the event serve as an assist to continue their upward global trajectory by rightfully maintaining their current position or preferably elevating their status to A- category,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service