Asry to double Seatrade Middle East Maritime presence

ASRY's Seatrade Middle East Maritime commitment comes as the company heads for a record year.

"This year we are looking to outstrip our 2003 performance, which, in itself was 23% up on 2002," said Mohamed Al Khateeb, ASRY CEO.

"Already in the first half of this year we have repaired 68 ships, compared to 50 for the first six months of 2003. In the second half of this year we anticipate exceeding our first half performance pushing growth percentages even higher."

ASRY is looking to Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the region's premier conference and exhibition for the maritime sectors, to build its international portfolio and spread its geographic client base.

"Currently our largest customer countries are Greece, Cyprus, Singapore, India, U.S.A., Hong Kong and Norway, though Arab vessels form a significant part of ASRY's business, accounting for annual average of 40% of the total number of vessels repaired at the yard," said Al Khateeb.

"At Seatrade Middle East Maritime we will be looking to enhance our existing business from major players throughout Europe and the surrounding Arab countries."

Bahrain is one of 19 countries which, to date, is represented in the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition profile. The exhibition also has pavilion commitments from Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey.

ASRY will also attend the Seatrade Middle East Maritime conference, which will be held alongside the exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6-8.

The conference, which has four distinct streams, will address major industry issues including quality shipping, security and the environment.

ASRY believes both quality and competitive pricing will be key factors in driving the Middle East ship repair industry forward, fending off competition from the Far East.

"We can deliver the highest quality service within reasonable time frames," said Al Khateeb. "We are well accredited to do so having received the ISO-9001 International Ship Repair Certificate and extensive training is underway to achieve the OHSAS-18001 Occupational Safety and Health Certificate."

"The Middle East needs to stay ahead of the competition by constantly refining and streamlining its services and equipment. Good quality coupled with good time management is key to achieving this, as is the constant review and guarantee that staff are trained to the highest possible standards."

Al Khateeb commented that ASRY, which recently achieved ISPS and ISO-14001 certification, is also fully committed to delivering full environmental compliance, working closely with Bahrain's Department of the Environment, to ensure pollution is minimised.

"ASRY is the first and only shipyard in the Middle East to build a facility at a cost of US $1.2m to recycle polluting sludge received from crude oil carriers into an environmentally friendly compost material," he added.

For Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the quality shipping, security and environment session is being organised in association with the UAE branch of The Nautical Institute.

"This session will examine the changing global regulatory framework for shipping companies and ports, looking at safety, quality and the environment and the specific challenges in the region," said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade. "Also under the spotlight will be the key role of maritime training and education while there will also be a round table debate on security and the ISPS Code, five months on."

Seatrade Middle East Maritime is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The event is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; Arabian Adventures; British Airways; Castrol Marine; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre; HSBC; Instone International; Lloyd's Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Nico International; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC; and Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC.

Supporters of the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics; Indian National Shipowners' Association; the Nautical Institute UAE Branch and UAE National Ship Suppliers' Association.