Upcoming IODC 2019 to host a special panel discussion on current challenges and opportunities
The first International Offshore Development Congress (IODC 2019) is expected to take place between April 28 and 29 at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.
It will discuss prevailing challenges and opportunities in the regional and international maritime sector at special sessions .
With the rising demand for freight handling, logistics, and other sub-services, the regional maritime sector is looking ahead into a brighter future. Saudi Arabia and the UAE particularly are becoming key shipping hubs with considerable investments into infrastructure and for their seafaring expertise.
According to industry reports, the UAE has invested around US$ 65bn into the development of ports across the country in a bid to elevate its position as a maritime hub. Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector is set to receive a substantial boost with allocations under the US$ 8.8bn set aside for industries including logistics in its recently announced budget for 2019.
The UAE alone handles more than 15 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) a year, and these numbers are steadily increasing as the region caters to about two billion people in China, India and the GCC as well as Russia and Eastern Europe.
Prominent professionals participating
However, from increased regulations and overcapacity to port investment and infrastructure requirements, the shipping industry faces significant challenges as well. A special session at IODC 2019 will host experts from shipping, carriers, freight forwarders, transport including Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman, IODC 2019; Capt. Mohammad Ajjan, Fleet Manager OSV, Zakher Marine International Inc; Jamil Al-Ali, Manager Fleet Engineering Group, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC); Eng. Spyridon T. Lalaounis, Senior Manager – New Build Management, Bahri Ship Management; Vaibhav Gupta, Commercial Director, CTS Offshore & Marine Limited and other industry professionals.
The key issues facing the region’s maritime and trade sectors will be discussed with a focus on evolving technologies that include artificial intelligence, industrial internet of things (IoT), autonomous surface vessels, block-chain, augmented reality, virtual reality, drones and robotics. The session will also talk about sustainability and operational shift towards a greener future.
Apart from this, the IODC 2019 will bring together key industry stakeholders including NOCs (National Oil Companies), IOCs (International Oil Companies) as well as all other stakeholders relevant to the Oil and Gas offshore development.
Organised by Arab Association of Petroleum Professionals (AAPP) and Maarefah Energy, the event is supported by DCMMI Emirates, World Ocean Council, ROPME, PERSGA, MEMAC and Oil & Gas Safety Council.
