Tanker conference highlights regional growth opportunities

dubai — The inaugural The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference, which took place in Dubai, recently, highlighted the scope that exists for sustained growth and expansion within the region’s tanker sector, provided investment is sustained and cooperation between various participants is strengthened.

It attracted a high quality audience of around 150 people, including delegates from leading owners and operators from across the region.

Indeed Dubai-based operator, GNH Maritime Ship Management and Operations, a subsidiary of Gulf Navigation Holding, signed a contract for the construction of an MR type chemical tanker. The vessel participants from leading owners and operators at the event will be built by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International and Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group.

A high quality line up of speakers at the conference, organised by Flagship Events, provided a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, not just for tanker owners and operators, but also companies providing services to the tanker sector. Two leading figures from the region’s shipping and maritime sector gave keynote addresses. .

Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, chairman of the board at ASRY in Bahrain, gave a valuable perspective as one of the leading tanker repair yards in the region. Shaik Daij set out some of the factors he expected to see influencing the business over the next few years.

He was followed Ali Shehab, deputy, chief executive of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) who set out his views on the market and the need for a new public dialogue around tanker freight rates.

— business@khaleejtimes.com