..::GULF MARITIME-2009 ::..

THE PORT SECTOR – CRUISING AHEAD
Growing industrialisation, trade and shipping activities have seen the emergence of new ports, terminals and development of waterways worldwide.

Today, shipping is the most economical and environment friendly means of cargo transport. Growth in the shipping industry is continuously prompting changes in technology related to ports and cargo handling, with innovations and high-tech products being introduced frequently.
The Middle East’s port industry has experienced phenomenal growth in recent times, supported by the world’s demand for oil and gas and increasing trade activities. The region hosts one of the most dynamic global port and maritime centres in the world.

Moreover, Middle East port investments are likely to be less effected by the current global economic slowdown as they are predominantly government funded, and government spending is continuing at a higher scale in the region.

PORT-TECH - DEDICATED EXHIBITION FOR PORT EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Port-Tech 2009 will provide an ideal platform for port equipment and service providers to showcase their capabilities to the region’s port owners, port operators, terminal operators and port operation contractors.

Visiting the show in large numbers will be government bodies and regional consultants, who will be looking to invest in new ports in the region.

Besides, decision-makers from port authorities are expected from the UAE, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition will showcase advanced technologies for port and terminal operation and construction and will be augmented by a dedicated seminar session on port equipment.

GRAPH SHOWING MAJOR PORTS ( BY COUNTRY )

-The Middle East has about 180 ports with terminal operators of various sizes and capacities -

MIDDLE EAST PORTS SECTOR- MAJOR EXPANSIONS & NEW PORTS.

Soaring trade volumes and strong economic growth are driving a major overhaul of the Middle East’s container ports, and container port capacity in the Middle East is set to increase by 51 per cent in the region by 2010.

Record cargo volumes are fuelling around 50 port development projects in the Middle East, with individual budgets ranging from US$10 million to a staggering US$5.5 billion.

The Middle East has committed to a series of ambitious port developments, worth in excess of US$33 billion, to capitalise on record cargo volumes in the region.

The statistics, which have been collated by research company Proleads, take into account the expansion of existing seaports and development of new facilities throughout the region.

NEW PROJECTS AND EXPANSIONS
	New Mesaieed Port - Qatar’ ($5.5 billion)
	King Abdullah Economic City Seaport - Saudi Arabia ($5 billion)
	Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone - Abu Dhabi ($2.5 billion)
	Sirte Port - Libya ($2 billion)
	Ras Laffan Port - Qatar ($1.2 billion)
	Duqm Port - Oman ($1.1 billion)
	Bubiyan Island - Kuwait ($1 billion)
	Ras Al Zour Port - Saudi Arabia ($700 million)
	Red Sea Gateway Terminal - Jeddah Islamic Port - Saudi Arabia ($450 million)
	Port Sultan Qaboos project - Oman ($400 million).

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PORT SECTOR

The Middle East plays a pivotal role as a trading hub between Europe and the Far East. New regional ports are being planned to cater to the business potential in container terminals, whilst growing industrialisation in the region is creating opportunities for bulk handling.

The oil & gas industry is currently buoyant despite the economic downturn. Oil terminals, chemical terminals, gas handling terminals and offshore supply terminals are forecast to grow in the medium to long-term.

The Middle East is home to one of the world’s leading port operator -- DP World.
The fourth-largest port and terminal operator worldwide, DP World has 49 marine terminals and 12 new developments across 31 countries, managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.

In 2008, DP World handled more than 46.8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia -- an increase of eight per cent on 2007. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 95 million TEUs over the next 10 years.

PORT- TECH 2009 – PARTNERING WITH GULF MARITIME 2009

Port-Tech will be held alongside Gulf Maritime 2009, the premier maritime event in the Middle East. Gulf Maritime is the longest running maritime event in the Middle East is the “must-visit” exhibition for the Middle East ship-owners, offshore operators, port operators, workboat sector and ship repair sector.

Gulf Maritime has sailed into its seventh edition on the success of the previous shows that have cemented its reputation as the region’s most-comprehensive maritime event.

It is now counted as the best regional platform that is capable of meeting the complete sourcing requirements of the commercial, government, leisure and maritime industry in the Middle East.