Shipping and maritime supply chain event begins

The highly anticipated Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East, the leading shipping and maritime supply chain event in the region, commenced yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI UAE).

As an integral part of the UAE Maritime Week, the conference and exhibition attracted renowned industry leaders, experts, and policymakers from around the world. They gathered to discuss and showcase the latest advancements and best practices in the maritime industry.

To mark the event’s opening, Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, delivered an inspiring address on the UAE’s vision and strategic plan for the growth and development of its maritime and logistics sectors.

During his speech, Al Mansouri highlighted the remarkable progress the UAE has made in expanding and modernising its ports, increasing cargo volumes, and solidifying its position as a global trade hub.

He stated, “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and talent development, the UAE has emerged as a dynamic and innovative maritime hub on a global scale. Leveraging the capabilities of our stateof-the-art ports, some of which rank among the top 10 globally, we handle over 25,000 port calls and more than 19 million TEUs annually, establishing ourselves as a preferred destination for international trade. While achieving these significant milestones, we remain dedicated to further development. We continuously push boundaries through groundbreaking initiatives to create an environment conducive to growth and expansion, attracting substantial foreign investments from leading maritime organisations worldwide, who choose to establish their headquarters in our country. Consequently, we aim to significantly contribute to the AED 90 billion that the sector has been contributing to the national economy, further enhancing the industry’s role in our nation’s success.”

Following the Ministerial and Government address, an exclusive video address by Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was presented. Lim stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration to drive the maritime sector towards a brighter future. He also underscored the necessity of decarbonization, digitalization, and automation for more efficient global supply chains.

The day continued on a high note with insightful panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions focused on the industry’s digital transformation, sustainable development, and supply chain resilience.-WAM