Gulf Maritime 2005 opens on Monday

Held under the Patronage of Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the show will feature more than 180 exhibitors from over 26 countries. It is 15 per cent bigger than its previous edition in 2004.

A press conference to announce the opening of the show was held on Sunday, April 17, at Expo Centre Sharjah which was addressed by Mohammed S. Al Mosharrekh, Board Member, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce; Fasahat Ali Khan, Acting Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah; Neil Baird, Chairman, Baird Publication; and G Sunil, Sales & Marketing, Sharjah Ports Authority.

"Leading names from the regional and international marine industry will showcase their latest products and services at Gulf Maritime 2005," said Mr Mosharrekh.

"With a major indoor exhibition, maritime seminars and outdoor display, the event will provide visitors and participants a chance to boost their brand image, strike new deals, spot new business associates and open new markets," Mr Mosharrekh added.

"In addition, the show will serve as a launch pad for new models and designs."

"The show assumes significance given that the Gulf's maritime sector is expanding rapidly due to a number of factors including the expansion of Gulf economies, increase in regional trade, oil and gas exploration, expansion of shipping business and the opening of the Iraqi market," said Mr Khan.

Riding the maritime boom in the GCC states, the show is expected to generate deals worth over US$40 million in its three-day run.

The previous show, with 110 exhibitors from 23 countries, had witnessed confirmed orders to the tune of US$28 million and attracted a total of 2,785 visitors.

This year, Gulf Maritime is all set to build on the success of the previous show, giving both visitors and exhibitors an excellent opportunity to test the Gulf waters and gain the maximum benefit.

"Waterfront and off-shore properties, which are under different stages of development in the Gulf states, are likely to spur a huge demand for marine vessels," observed Mr Khan.

"An excellent coastline, strong government support for marina development and expanding tourism are key factors that will continue to sustain the growth of the marine sector in the region," said Mr Baird.

"The show will give both visitors and exhibitors an opportunity to test the Gulf waters and gain the maximum benefit," Mr Baird added.

The displays will include the latest in designing and building of different kinds of vessels, equipment for fishing, offshore support vessels, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, ferries, patrol boats, all types of ship repair and port operations products and cargo handling services.

The forums and product presentation seminars to be held alongside the show will tackle various issues facing the industry and introduce new products and services to visitors and participants.

"The forums to be held alongside the show will provide unequalled opportunities for networking, learning, discussing and talk matters maritime," said Mr Khan.

Well-known experts -- leading industry presenters, owners, builders, suppliers and researchers -- will examine industry problems and suggest solutions to them in the two forums to be held on April 19 and 20.

"The hour-long product presentation seminars are aimed at helping the exhibitors gather numerous potential clients in one room to present them new products and services," added Mr Khan.

The displays will include the latest in designing and building of different kinds of vessels, equipment for fishing, offshore support vessels, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, ferries, patrol boats, all types of ship repair and port operations products and cargo handling services.

While China, Iran and Saudi Arabia will make their debut at the show, Turkey and Norway have enhanced their participation with a larger number of companies.

Some of the prominent participants include Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the Dubai Ship Docking Yard (Al Jadaf), Al Hamra Port - RAK, Al Masaood Marine & Engineering, Albwardy Marine Engineering LLC, Arab Ship Building & Repair Yard Co., Astilleros Shipyard Zamakona, Balenciaga Shipyard, Batservice Holding, Berg Propulsion Asia Pte Ltd, Berkefeld Middle East, Bharati Shipyard Limited, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems, Cummins Middle East, Damen Shipyards, Dubai Drydocks, Dubai Maritime City, Emirates Inflatable Boat Est., Government of Sharjah - Seaports Authority, Hempel Paints Qatar W.L.L, Kobelt, Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, Nico International UAE, Radio Holland BV M.E, Reintjes Middle East LLC, Riviera Pool Middle East, Rolls-Royce, Saab Marine Middle East, Seaspray Aluminium Boats, Southern Gulf Marine Industrial Co. LLC, Tensosys FZCO, Unique Systems LLC, Wartsila, Westfalia Separator Mineral Oil Systems, Zamil Operations & Maintenance Co Ltd, Zener Electronics and ZF Marine Middle East.

The show is organised jointly by Expo Centre Sharjah and Baird Publications of Singapore. The visitor timings are from 10am to 6pm.