Summit will discuss challenges to shipping

Abu Dhabi: With ports and sea freight in the Middle East expanding and regional shipping lines facing unprecedented challenges, leaders in international business and government will meet at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 2 to 4 for the World Ports and Trade Summit 2012.

Over 4,000 delegates representing port authorities, shipping lines, cargo operators, logistics companies, technology solutions providers, investors and financiers will attend the summit to discuss the state of the industry, emerging markets and the way forward.

Sharp focus

The summit, which is jointly organised by Sea-trade and Turret Media, will be held in association with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company. An exhibition showcasing cutting edge services and technology related to ports and sea trade will also be part of the event.

Rising costs and the overhanging political instability and piracy in the region will be in sharp focus. Political commentators, insurers and security chiefs will put these challenges in perspective and explore solutions to ensure safe and efficient maritime trade in the Middle East, said a release.

"Middle East seaports are expanding vigorously — a total of $46.5 billion (Dh170 billion) has already been committed to develop the 35 ports in the region. Considering the region's role as a hub and transit point for global trade and the economic boom in and around the Middle East, such investment strategies are here to stay," said Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Company.

Seaports in the UAE account for 61 per cent of the GCC trade volume and this share is expected to rise with new capacity being added.

The first phase of the Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi will be complete by the last quarter of 2012, adding two million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container and 12 million tonnes of general cargo capacity.

Networking opportunity

The first World Ports and Trade Summit hosted in Abu Dhabi in 2011 drew over 3,000 delegates from 52 countries, including board presidents and chief executives from sectors ranging from ports, cargo and logistics operations, infrastructure development to investment finance. By bringing together key decision-makers and solutions providers across a series of brainstorming and networking sessions, the summit will offer the latest project updates and the opportunity to influence investment and purchase decisions in the fast-expanding ports and sea trade sector in the Middle East.

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