SHIPPING industry entrepreneurs, traders and government officials took a deep interest in the products and technologies displayed at the Gulf Maritime Exhibition organised by Expo Centre Sharjah over three days in the second half of November.

An allied event, the Mastech naval architecture and shipbuilding forum was held on the first two days of the exhibition. Mastech is being held in collaboration with Mast, an association of naval architects.

Interest in Gulf Maritime and the forum was strong with the regional maritime industry facing a demand for all kinds of craft, particularly multi-purpose vessels on the back of dramatic growth witnessed by the offshore sector. 

The regional maritime industry is awash with mega projects. Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (Adma-Opco) and Zakum Development Company (Zadco) have awarded $4.9 billion worth of deals this year on Satah al-Razboot (Sarb) and Umm al-Lulu oil field developments.

Additionally, Qatar’s $8 billion Barzan North Field Development, and Saudi Arabia’s $6 billion Arabiyah and Hasbah Oilfield have placed the regional maritime industry into an expansion mode, the exhibition
organisers noted.

Some $30 billion worth of projects related to ports are underway or set to be awarded in the region.

“With rising oil and gas demand, hydrocarbon producers in the region are encouraged to spend more in order to increase production and secure new markets. This is generating massive demand for multi-purpose supply vessels, utility vessels and work boats,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Thousands of vessels in operation including platform supply vessels, anchor handling vessels, tugs, dive boats and dredgers are set to dock, get repaired or upgraded in the region, utilising excellent facilities for ship repair and conversion.

Well stimulation vessels that can handle all phases of production stimulation, including fracturing, sand control and conformance  for offshore projects and associated equipment are also much in demand. Demand is high for barges too, prompting the industry to rely on a platform like Mastech to discuss supply requirements, current trends and developments in the regional maritime industry, said Ashik Subahani, general manager at Great Waters Maritime FZC and event convener at Mastech 2013.

“The maritime industry is currently enjoying a prosperity which it has not known for some time,” said Trevor Blakely, chief executive, The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

He adds that “at such a time it is all the more important for the industry to look ahead in order to respond to the challenges it will face from the increasing demands of operators, regulators and society for greater efficiency, safety and the protection of the environment.”

Gulf Maritime Exhibition was opened by Ahmed Mohamed Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah.