MIDDLE East shipping companies will be among several international organisations awarded for their commitment to safety at sea during an awards ceremony at Seatrade Middle East Maritime – the region’s leading shipping event taking place from October 26 to 28 2010.
The ceremony will take place on the opening day in Hall 7 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Dubai and is the first time this ceremony will take place in the Middle East.
According to Benjamin Strong, director of marketing, Amver Maritime Relations, the decision to hold the awards in Dubai is indicative of the expansion of the shipping sector in the region and its continuing humanitarian efforts to ensure safety at sea.
He said: “We felt it important to recognise the good work being done by companies across the regional shipping sector and Seatrade Middle East Maritime is the perfect venue for us to present these prestigious awards when so many of the shipping fraternity are under one roof.”
Amver Awards are given to vessels that have participated in the programme and assisted in sea safety missions over 128 times in one year. Special awards are given for dramatic or exceptional rescues.
The Amver Awards Programme was started in 1971 and the recognitions are awarded by the US Coast Guard as a way of thanking local shipowners for their support in the programme.
“We are honoured that the awards will be presented at Seatrade Middle East Maritime,” said Emma Hamilton, marketing manager Middle East. “The ceremony further emphasises our importance on the maritime map as the ‘must attend’ event for the Middle East.”
Seatrade Middle East Maritime was launched in 2003 and has seen substantial growth attracting more than 6,000 attendees and 313 exhibitors in 2008.
A major highlight of this year’s show will be the high level conference that has attracted more than 40 influential speakers internationally to discuss the state of the industry, shipping finance, the expanding Middle East fleet, ports and terminals and offshore marine support.