Roundtable held to focus on human capital and sea operations challenges
Abu Dhabi Ports recently held a virtual roundtable workshop with port operators from across the Arabian Gulf, to discuss experiences, challenges faced and best practices when dealing with Covid-19.
Hosted by video conference, and held in cooperation with the Arab Sea Ports Federation (ASPF) Regional Office based in Abu Dhabi, the agenda included presentations from Ports and Maritime Affairs – Bahrain; Mawani – Saudi Ports Authority; Kuwait Port Authority; Port of Salalah, Oman; as well as the port operators of Fujairah, Dubai and Sharjah and who all touched upon shared experiences relating to business continuity, health and safety, performance, and sea operations.
In a wide-ranging discussion, the port operators agreed on standardized sterilisation procedures when receiving vessels arriving from affected countries, preparedness to meet the challenges of Covid-19, and the measures and solutions required to create a post pandemic business environment.
“We are confident that we have unlocked measures to ensure our industry is well positioned to take the correct course of action to overcome this emergency,” commented HE Sheikh Yousif Abdullah Al Sabah, General Manager, Kuwait Port Authority and President of the Arab Sea Ports Federation (ASPF).
“The coming together of port operators from the region with the support of the Arab Sea Ports Federation embodies our region’s spirit of unity and cooperation in responding and acting to the pandemic,” he added.
“Navigating our maritime and logistics industries into a post-Covid-19 recovery phase requires a robust regional and international effort in underscoring our resources and planning and preparing for future growth,” remarked Captain Mohamad Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports and Vice Chairman of the Arab Sea Ports Federation.
“Abu Dhabi Ports has always been a fervent supporter of efforts to collaborate and activate the role of our regional office,” noted Abdulla Al Muharrami, Head of the Regional Office of Arab Sea Ports Federation-UAE.
“Abu Dhabi Ports proudly joins hands with the region’s maritime operators in sharing knowledge on the best international practices that will enable us all to speedily overcome the challenges presented by Covid-19,”observed Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Chief Corporate Authority Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports.
The workshop concluded with a pledge among all participants to continue maintaining high levels of engagement and coordination for the duration of the crisis by providing all necessary services and support.
