Gulf Maritime to showcase the newest maritime products and services

Being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and jointly organised by Baird Publications of Australia and Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibition is aimed at the owners and operators of all kinds of commercial and government ships and boats, shipbuilders and port managers. The exhibition will feature the latest in design, building and equipping of all types of vessels from fishing, offshore support vessels, tankers, tugs, ferries, patrol boats and all types of cargo ships, ship repair and port operations products & services, cargo handling services etc.

It has strong support on the governmental level, with sizable participation from organisations such as the Sharjah Ports Authority, the Dubai Dry Docks, Al Jaddaf and the Hamriya Free Zone. "Their presence not only gives the event an official recognition from UAE's concerned authorities, but will also effectively expose the potential UAE's maritime industry offers international suppliers and regional buyers," Mr. Michael Muller, Director Marketing & Sales, Expo Centre Sharjah earlier commented.

Moreover, the show has also received an enthusiastic response from both international and local companies, with such reputed firms as Al Bahar, Al Fanar, Caterpillar, Cummins Diesel, Emirates Inflatable Boats, Exalto Emirates, Gulf Marinas, Gmmos Grandweld, Gulftainer Co. Ltd, Harris Pye, Inter Ocean Ship Repair, Radio Holland, Reintjes Middle East, Riviera Pool Middle East, Sea Spray Aluminium Boats, Sigma Paints, Teignbridge Propellers, ZF Marine Middle East, etc, participating at the event.

A major feature of the of the exhibition will be an on-the-water display of a range of crew, fishing and patrol boats and other working crafts. These will be displayed in a magnificent new aluminium marina created by Seaspray Aluminium Boats, a local UAE company. The marina will be located in the lagoon about 200 metres from the rear door of Expo Centre Sharjah. Most of the leading local ship and boat builders will have prototypes of their vessels on display.

Besides showcasing the latest maritime products and services, the event will also be the industry's prime educational opportunity for regional professionals and businessmen. On 26th March, a number of leading commentators and suppliers from the industry will conduct one hour product presentation seminars. To be held in a fully fitted and equipped conference room adjoining the exhibitions, these seminars will offer the show participants and attendees a rich, worthwhile educational and networking experience. Moreover, to encourage attendance, admission has been kept free.

The product presentation seminars will include the following speaker sessions: * Dr. Ahmed El Rabbany of the Ryerson University of Canada on 'The alternative solutions to differential GPS navigation', * Mr. Jamal El Abki of Grandweld (Part of GMMOS Group) on 'Shipbuilding in the U.A.E.', * Mr. Etienne Thiberge, Bureau Veritas, France, on 'Bureau Veritas and crew boats', * Mr. Luuk Van Duijse of Caterpillar Engine Company on 'Cost saving performance : The benefits of electronic marine diesel engines', * Mr. Philbhert Suresh, of Translogistique Canada, Dubai, on 'Emerging logistics leadership : Mapping your skills and competence in the maritime industry', and * Mr. Tony Elms, Seastate Ride Control Australia, on 'Significance of seakeeping for ship operators', etc.

The exhibition will be open from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm everyday on March 25, 26 and 27, 2003.

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