Brand new conference on strategies to counter the rise in maritime piracy and sea crime to be held in Dubai

Developed in collaboration with the commercial shipping industry and the region's coast guards and navies, Counter-Piracy and Ship Security 2009 will be a forum for the entire maritime community to come together and debate the issues, whilst not losing sight of the fact that it is practical solutions that can actually be implemented, which are really needed by the region's shipping industry.

Recognising that it is critical for the community to continually exchange intelligence and best practices to tackle the problems, Counter-Piracy and Ship Security 2009 will offer case studies and analyses from shipping operators who will share their experiences and strategies to mitigate the economic impact of piracy and sea crime, first hand experience of kidnap and ransom negotiations, updates on current coalition military operations, perspectives from international governing bodies and the region's maritime administrations and debates on how the complex issues of piracy and sea crime can really be tackled over the short and longer term.

Organisations confirmed to participate include; UKMTO, NATO, US Coast Guard, Bahrain Coast Guard, Sharaf Shipping, Brookings Doha Centre, BIMCO, Central Gulf Lines, NYK Lines, Indian Maritime Foundation and S.E.A.L. Security.

Joanna Edwards, Divisional Director, IQPC Middle East says:

"With maritime piracy costing the world an estimated $60-70m in 2008 and a worrying rise in sea crimes across the MENA region, it is of the utmost importance for the maritime community to collaborate and cooperate across the military civilian divide to find strategies that can mitigate the risks and minimize the economic impact on the region."