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Finance conference speakers take a more optimistic view of shipping market trends


Abu Dhabi, 8th November 2018: The fourth Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference, held at Abu Dhabi’s Sheraton Hotel and Resort, was in many ways very different from the preceding three events in this increasingly popular series. While in other years the sense of challenge and adversity was dominant, this year speakers at the one-day conference were generally much more optimistic and upbeat about market prospects, although a number of potential hazards on the road to full recovery were also much in evidence.

Conference chairman, Clive Woodbridge, editor of The Maritime Standard, said, “This time speakers generally focussed on how shipping companies and port operators in the region might take full advantage of more promising market fundamentals. There was in particular clear agreement that stakeholders need to work more closely together to ensure that these emerging opportunities can be capitalised on, and also that greater flexibility in terms of financing options will be required, with for example crowd funding type solutions coming into the equation.”

Keynote speaker, H.E. Ahmed Shareef Alkhoori, Director General, Federal Transport -Land & Maritime, set the scene, underlining some of the positive changes being planned for the country’s maritime laws, and the proactive role the UAE is now taking in its role as an IMO Council member.

The conference was hosted by Abu Dhabi Ports and so it was fitting that chief executive, Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, gave the second keynote presentation. He called for a new era of collaboration between the financial sector and those active in shipping and ports, suggesting that, “By investing in ports, shipping and logistics, we can ensure the region has the ecosystem to attract the biggest names in the business and help them establish, or grow, their presence in the region. But, we need the support of the financial industry to do so.”

For a long time, he suggested, financial institutions have lacked the depth of knowledge needed to fully understand the fundamentals of the ports and shipping sector, which has affected their confidence to support development. “This in turn limits our ability to seize opportunities and to grow,” Captain Shamisi added. “If our industry is to truly realise its potential in this region then this must change, which is why I am calling on financial institutions, whether based here or elsewhere in the world, to open their eyes and their minds to all that our industry has to offer.”

The main session then assessed how infrastructure and asset investment can unlock trade potential. Speakers, who provided examples of how this was working in practice in different parts of the region, included Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO, ADNOC Logistics & Services; Ross Thompson, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer – Ports; Abu Dhabi Ports; Michael Jorgensen, CFO, Oman Shipping Company; Dr Priyath Wickrama, Chairman, Bestar Consultancy; and Saliya Wickramasuriya from Hambantota International Port Group.

Conference delegates were then treated to a special ‘up close’ question and answer interview session with Bibop Gresta, Chairman, Hyperloop and Sanjay Mehta, Chairman, S One Capital. “The chance to hear about this technology and how it will affect both freight and passenger transport in the region greatly appreciated and generated a lot of audience involvement,” says Clive. “This is going to be innovative, disruptive technology and it is fitting that it will be in Abu Dhabi that people get a first glimpse into its potential.”

After lunch the topic moved to the future of ship finance and in particular the implications of changes in this sector for the market in Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. In a session chaired by well-known industry expert, Jesper Kjaedegaard, speakers included Bobby Varghese, Vice President- Financial Strategy, Abu Dhabi Ports; Jacob Berman, Director, Standard Chartered; Ali Shehab, Deputy CEO, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Marcus Machin, CEO, Tufton Oceanic (Middle East); Andrew Simmons, CEO, Global Marine Transport; Tien Tai; Regional Partner, HFW; and Michael Savva, Partner, Watson Farley Williams.

Supporting regional trade development was the subject of the third and final session. Delivering a varied series of presentations, that looked at different commercial, financial and technical influences on local trade flows, Capt. S.R. Patnaik; CEO; International Shipping & Logistics; Bora Bariman, Head of Energy and Marine, National Bank of Fujairah; Waleed Altamimi, General Manager, Emirates Classification Society (TASNEEF); and Giovanni Moscatelli, Partner and Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group Middle East, all kept the audience fully engaged, and listening intently right to the end.

Senior speakers lined up for TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2018

Dubai, UAE: 5th August 2018: Preparations for this year’s The Maritime Standard (TMS) Ship Finance & Trade Conference, which takes place on 6th November at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, are gathering momentum. A host of top level speakers have now been confirmed for the event, ensuring it will be a not-to-be-missed experience.

Keynote speaker, Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive, Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP), will be followed in the headline Session 1 programme by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, chief executive, ADNOC Logistics & Services; Abdulla Bin Damithan chief commercial officer, DP World; Ross Thompson, chief commercial and strategy officer, ADP; and Dr. Priyath Wickrama, chairman, Bestar Consultancy. The theme of this session will be Investing in Infrastructure: How to Unlock Trade Potential.

Session 2, which will the assess the future of ship and port finance, will feature Jacob Berman, managing director, infrastructure and transportation, Standard Chartered; Ali Shehab, deputy chief executive, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Marcus Machin, chief executive, Tufton Oceanic; Andrew Simmons, chief executive, Global Marine Transport; Tien Tai, regional partner, HFW; Andrew Baird, partner, Watson Farley Williams; and Adel Al Wahedi, chief finance officer, ADP.

The third and final session, chaired by Andrew Baird, will feature presentations by Captain SR Patnaik, chief executive, ISL; Bora Bariman, head of energy and marine, National Bank of Fujairah; and Waleed Al Tamimi, general manager of Tasneef. More speakers are expected to be added to this session in the next few weeks, so watch this space!

This will be the fourth in an increasingly successful series of conferences that started in 2015. Each event has attracted a bigger attendance than the previous one, and this year is set to be another record-breaker. The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference has gained in relevance and popularity by bringing together experts from the fields of shipping, ports, banking, finance, trade and maritime law under one roof to discuss and debate the most important contemporary trends and issues facing the market. In particular the event aims to encourage dialogue and cooperation between the various sectors represented to help achieve sustainable growth within the regional shipping and ports sectors, as well as an overall expansion in trade activity.

The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference is now firmly established on the industry calendar and this year the quality of the speakers is all set to raise the event to another level. Clive Woodbridge, conference editor, says, “Our aim is to make the Conference both enjoyable and informative. We are delighted with the calibre of the speakers who have agreed to take part and I am sure it will present a unique opportunity to learn from, and be guided by industry experts, as well as to have the chance to network with business leaders.”

For more information about the Conference and how to register,  go to: www.tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com

(from left to right) Trevor Pereira, The Maritime Standard; H.E. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, UAE Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; Abdulkareem Al Masabi, ADNOC Logistics & Services; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Salem Alkatheeri, FTA; Khamis Juma Buamim, Gulf Navigation Holding

Editor’s Note: About The Maritime Standard

The Maritime Standard (TMS), publishes a regular e-newsletter aimed specifically at the shipping and maritime community. It is delivered fortnightly, on the 1st and 15th of every month. It delivers the most accurate, up-to-date news about the market and has built up the largest readership of any shipping-related online newsletter in the Middle East and India. It is also gaining popularity in other major shipping hubs, including Oslo, Hamburg, Singapore, London and Greece. The newsletter includes news and analysis from the shipping and ports industries and related sectors in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Topics that are covered include tanker shipping, container operations, dry and liquid bulk trades, ro-ro, and cruise shipping. In addition there is up to date information about regional terminal operations; port development; classification; ship repair and conversion; shipbuilding; ship agency; finance and insurance; maritime law; and transportation & logistics. The newsletter regularly carries exclusives, analysis and interviews with top executives.

TMS also publishes the very successful TMS UAE Yearbook. The first 2016/17 edition was followed by a second volume covering 2017/18, that was launched in July last year. Covering key developments across the country’s maritime sector, the annual publication aims to publicise the UAE’s achievements both locally and internationally, through in depth articles, researched first hand. These cover all the major sectors of the shipping, ports and maritime industry in the UAE. The articles, on terminals, shipping companies, shipyards, maritime law firms, classification, regulators and inland transport firms, among others, have been well received by the industry as a year round reference point. The Maritime Standard UAE Yearbook 2017/18 is a must-read publication for everyone interested in UAE maritime issues, and can be downloaded by going to: http://www.themaritimestandard.com/uae-yearbook- 2017-18
Preparations for the 2018/19 issue are well underway and this will be published in the summer of 2018.

Website: www.themaritimestandard.com

The not-to-be missed The Maritime Standard Awards recognise and celebrate success in the shipping, ports and related sectors across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. The fifth edition of TMS Awards will take place on Monday, on 15th October 2018 at The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

The Awards are now positioned as one of the world’s leading shipping and maritime Awards gala dinners and are the premier event of their kind in the region. All of the four events to date have been held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and have each attracted close to 700 of the region’s elite shipping and maritime professionals, as well as a number of leading figures from overseas. These guests have come from a variety of industry segments, ranging from ports and terminal operators to ship owners and managers, and executives from the worlds of maritime law and finance, classification, ship building and repair and maritime education and training.

For the inaugural event in 2014 PR guru, journalist and writer Alastair Campbell performed as master of ceremonies, while in 2015 Dutch soccer legend, Ruud Gullit compered the event and in 2016 former CNN news anchor, Jim Clancy, was on stage to lead proceedings.

The 2017 TMS Awards event, which was hosted by the well-known actress and model, Lara Dutta, saw 20 general awards presented, following the recommendations of an elite, independent judging panel, as well as a number for special individual awards recognising the contributions made by high profile industry leaders and innovators. The Awards have set a benchmark within the industry and have become an eagerly anticipated meeting place for top executives from across the business, where they can meet, network and create new opportunities.

Website: www.tmsawards.com

The third Maritime Standard Tanker Conference will be held on 16th October 2018 at Atlantis, the Palm, Dubai. Attendees will include key decision makers and opinion formers who were able to discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist, not just for ship owners and operators active in the tanker markets, but those delivering products and services to this sector. The second TMS Tanker Conference took place on 24th October 2017 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai. Presentations were given by many of the region’s leading tanker owners and operators, as well as experts in related fields. For more information about the 2018 event, which is at an advanced planning stage, please go to the website: www.tmstankerconference.com

The fourth Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference will be held on 6th November 2018 at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. The Conference will bring together experts from the fields of shipping, ports, banking, finance, trade and maritime law, among others, to discuss and debate the key issues and trends facing the shipping business, and trade, in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. The third TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference took place at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, on November 8th 2017, building on the success of the first two events, held in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Speakers shared their insights and knowledge through a series of presentations and panel discussions, signposting the way forward. For more information about the 2018 event, please go to: www.tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com

Strong programme raises profile of The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference

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The programme for the fourth annual The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference, which will take place on November 6th 2018 at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, is set to be the strongest yet.

The theme of the event will be: “Converting greater optimism into sustainable trade growth”, which is highly topical and builds on the discussions that took place at last year’s event.

Clive Woodbridge, Editor and Conference Chairman, says, “There is a growing consensus that markets in many different segments of the shipping business are improving. Making the right decisions now as we hit the upturn will be crucial and this Conference is perfectly timed to signpost the way forward.”

The popular one day event is expected to attract over 150 senior executives from across the shipping, ports, finance, banking, trade and legal sectors, who will gather to debate and discuss the key issues and challenges facing the industry. In particular the conference aims to encourage dialogue and cooperation between the various sectors to achieve sustainable growth within the regional shipping and ports businesses, as well as an overall increase in trade activity.

Abu Dhabi Ports is a strong supporter of the Ship Finance and Trade Conference and believes the event is in a tremendous position to add value within the region. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive, says, “We are very excited to be hosting The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference once again in Abu Dhabi. This conference brings together banks, financial institutions and shipping companies under the same roof and is the only one of its kind in the Middle East & Indian Subcontinent. I would encourage any business active in the shipping, ports and maritime sectors, as well as the financial world, to support, participate and attend this important conference.”

The event will kick-off with keynote presentations from renowned business and political leaders. There will then follow distinct conference sessions that will tackle topical themes. The main session in the morning will look at investing in infrastructure delivery, with a view towards unlocking trade potential. Topics that will be addressed include port investments in the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka, as well as the need to invest to capitalise on China’s New Silk Road and One Belt programmes.

Session 2 will look at the future of ship finance, and the implications of change in this sector for the shipping business in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Topics will include an assessment of alternative lending platforms, merger and acquisition activity and the requirements of the shipping industry from financial sector.

The third and last session will assess how best to support regional trade development. This will include case studies from the UAE commodity markets, maritime law issues, environmentally inspired investments and the development of new trade-supporting financial products.

Trevor Pereira, managing director of The Maritime Standard, says, “We are delighted to be returning to Abu Dhabi to hold this conference for the fourth time. The programme is an exciting and challenging one, with plenty to engage all sectors of the business. Our aim is to provide something that really sets it apart from other conferences in this sector and we are confident that we can achieve this goal.”

A top quality panel of expert speakers is being lined up by The Maritime Standard, and will include representatives from leading ship owners and managers, port operators, trade organisations, brokers and analysts, law firms and financiers.

The event has also secured sponsorship support from a number of top maritime companies and organisations, including Abu Dhabi Ports as the host sponsor, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, Dubai Trading Agency, Bestar Consultancy Pvt. Ltd, International Shipping and Logistics FZE, ADNOC Logistics & Services, Dubai Maritime City and Sharjah Ports Authority.

The event is endorsed by The Federal Transport Authority-Land & Maritime. Supporting Associations for the event include: UAE Shipping Association (UAESA), The Organisation of Islamic Shipowners’ Association (OISA), The Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries (DCMMI); Dubai Ship Agents Association (DSAA); Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA); Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers; Nautical Institute; Indian National Shipowner’s Association (INSA); Pakistan Ship Agents Association (PSAA), Jordan Shipping Association, Supply Chain & Logistics Group, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) and the Baltic Ports Organisation.

The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference is certain to generate a high level of interest and places are strictly limited. For more information about how to register go to: http://tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com/staging/conference/delegate-registration/

Press Release:

Abu Dhabi hosts Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference

Abu Dhabi, 19th April 2018: The fourth annual The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference will take place on November 6th 2018 at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort. The popular one day event is expected to attract over 150 senior executives from across the shipping, ports, finance, banking and legal sectors, who will gather to debate and discus the key issues and challenges facing the industry.

The event will kick-off with keynote presentations from renowned business leaders. There will then follow distinct conference sessions that will tackle topical themes covering regional trade patterns, ship finance, ports and shipping. Case studies, highlighting how the financial sector can help facilitate the ongoing development of regional shipping and ports to the benefit of trade and economic growth, will be a feature of the event.

A top quality panel of expert speakers is being lined up by The Maritime Standard, and will include representatives from leading ship owners and managers, port operators, trade organisations, brokers and analysts, law firms and financiers. The event has also secured sponsorship support from a number of top maritime companies and organisations, including Abu Dhabi Ports as the host sponsor, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, International Shipping and Logistics FZE and Bestar Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. The event is endorsed by The Federal Transport Authority-Land & Maritime. Supporting Associations for the event include: UAE Shipping Association (UAESA), The Organisation of Islamic Shipowners’ Association (OISA), The Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries (DCMMI); Dubai Ship Agents Association (DSAA); Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA); Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers; Nautical Institute; Indian National Shipowner’s Association (INSA); Pakistan Ship Agents Association (PSAA) and the Baltic Ports Organisation.

Trevor Pereira, managing director of The Maritime Standard says, “We are returning to Abu Dhabi to hold this conference for the fourth time, and we will be looking to build on the tremendous strides forward that have made over the past three years. The event is already well established on the UAE shipping industry calendar, attracting a wide range of industry experts, and it has become an event that anyone in the shipping and maritime industry will benefit from attending. It is truly a unique occasion and the quality of the speakers and the decision makers in the audience really sets it apart from other conferences in this sector.”

Abu Dhabi Ports is a strong supporter of the Ship Finance and Trade Conference and believes the event is in a tremendous position to add value within the region. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive, says, “We are very excited to be hosting The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference once again in Abu Dhabi. This conference brings together banks, financial institutions and shipping companies under the same roof and is the only one of its kind in the Middle East & Indian Subcontinent. I would encourage any business active in the shipping, ports and maritime sectors, as well as the financial world, to support, participate and attend this important conference.”

The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference is certain to generate a high level of interest and places are strictly limited. For more information about how to register go to: http://tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com/staging/conference/delegate-registration/

abu-dhabi

(from left to right) Clive Woodbridge, The Maritime Standard; Capt. Stephen Bligh, DNV GL; Jacob Berman, Standard Chartered; Abdulla bin Damithan, DP World; Trevor Pereira, The Maritime Standard; H.E. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, Ambassador to China; Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Abu Dhabi Ports; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Salem Alkatheeri, FTA; Khamis Juma Buamim, Gulf Navigation Holding; Chris Peters, Emirates Ship Investment Company; Ross Thompson, Abu Dhabi Ports; Bora Bariman, National Bank of Fujairah; Andrew Simmons, Global Marine Transport Capital; Amir Mosadeghi, Islamic P & I Club; Katherine Yakunchenkova, Al Safina Security

Press Release:

Conference highlights importance of industry collaboration to boost shipping and trade investment

new_IMG_4181The 3rd Annual The Maritime Standard Ship Finance & Trade Conference, held at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, assembled a high quality panel of speakers, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to discuss and debate the key issues and trends facing the shipping and ports market in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, with a particular focus on financial issues. The audience of around 150 heard from some of the leading and most well-known personalities in the business, including senior executives with many years’ experience in their chosen fields, who highlighted the importance of building partnerships to help accelerate investment-led growth within the industry.

Conference chairman, Clive Woodbridge, editor, The Maritime Standard, said: “There was a tremendous amount of optimism in the room, with a strong sense that there are significant opportunities for those who take the right decisions in a timely manner. However it was clear that collaboration, partnership building and improved communications between sectors are vital to ensure that the potential benefits in terms of investment and trade generation are achieved.”

The keynote speeches at the event were given by two prominent, and influential figures within the UAE shipping and ports sectors. A presentation by H.E. Dr. Abdullah Salem Al-Katheeri, Director General, Federal Transport Authority (FTA) – Land & Maritime, was followed by Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Executive Vice President, Ports, Abu Dhabi Ports. Both speakers were upbeat about the future and highlighted the key strategies and investment programmes being followed within the UAE, and the benefits these will have for the local economy and regional trade.

H.E. Dr. Al-Katheeri said, “The FTA is doing its upmost to enhance collaboration among all stakeholders in the maritime industry and to create the best framework to provide shipping and trade professionals with the opportunity to have dialogue with key decision makers. Our aim is to improve the business environment for the maritime transport industry, and to enable the delivery of competitive financial solutions for shipping, ports and associated services.”

In his presentation, Mr. Al Masabi described the coming of an exciting era in the maritime industry in the UAE. He added, “There is more reason for optimism in the industry heading into 2018 than we have had for several years. Uncertainty continues to surround us, but there are signs of a stronger macroeconomic picture as we look ahead to 2020, and the collaboration that has sustained the industry through recent years of stagnation is now poised to propel us to a period of increased growth.”

The main conference session focused on how politico-economic factors are likely to shape future opportunities and challenges for the shipping and ports sectors. The audience heard from several influential figures in the industry who shared their insights into what lies ahead. These included: Abdulla Bin Damithan, Director Commercial, DP World – UAE Region; Khamis Juma Buamim, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive, Gulf Navigation Holding; Chris Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Ship Investment Company; and Ross Thompson, Acting Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Ports, Abu Dhabi Ports. Ali Shehab, Deputy Chief Executive, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, also made a special presentation to the Conference by video link.

The first of two afternoon sessions focused on how best to develop strategies for the future, working with the financial sector, and featured several informative, and stimulating presentations from experts in their respective fields. Highlights included presentations by Adel Al Wahedi, Chief Financial Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports; Jacob Berman, Managing Director, Infrastructure and Transportation, Corporate & Institutional Banking, Standard Chartered; Andrew Simmons, Chief Executive, Global Marine Transport Capital; Bora Bariman, Head of Energy & Marine, National Bank of Fujairah; and Andrew Baird, Partner, Watson Farley & Williams (Middle East).

The audience also heard from Sinan Ozcan about the new Maersk Trade Finance programme, which has recently been launched in the UAE.

After a stimulating and thought-provoking question and answer session, with considerable interaction with the audience, the third and final session featured case studies illustrating how different businesses can be developed to diversify regional maritime clusters, in support of shipping and trade growth. The conference heard from June Manoharan, Director, LUKOIL Marine Lubricants; Katherine Yakunchenkova; General Manager, Al Safina Security; and Capt. Stephen Bligh, Senior Principal Consultant, DNV-GL. This was followed by a networking opportunity at which attendees and panellists were able to continue discussions about issues raised during the event.

Trevor Pereira, managing director of The Maritime Standard, said, “The Conference brought together individuals with particular expertise in their fields to create a unique experience. This year we were able to build further on the success of the first two events, and I am sure everyone who attended went away with some fresh ideas to take back to their businesses. Abu Dhabi once again proved to be an ideal location, as the emirate is fast becoming a globally important shipping and trade hub, and we are truly grateful for the support and encouragement given by local businesses, particularly Abu Dhabi Ports.”

Media Clippings:

All-star lineup for The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference

All-star-lineupInterest is building in the third annual The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference, which takes place on November 8th at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort. The theme of this year’s one-day event is ‘Building strong partnerships to generate investment-led growth’ and will highlight key issues facing the shipping, ports, banking and finance sectors as they seek to capitalise on emerging opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls.

A really high quality line of speakers is already confirmed. Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP), will give one of the keynote speeches, highlighting the many initiatives that have been led by the organisation with the aim of diversifying the emirate’s economy and creating a trade hub. The second keynote speech will come from H.E. Dr. Abdullah Salem Alkatheeri, director general of the Federal Transport Authority-Land and Maritime (FTA), which sets the regulatory framework for the sector in the UAE.

Other confirmed speakers from the world of shipping and ports include Khamis Juma Buamim, managing director and group chief executive, Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC; Ali Shehab, deputy chief executive, KOTC; and Chris Peters, chief executive of Eships. They will be joined by speakers who are experts in finance, law, insurance and related sectors, such as Marcus Machin, director, Tufton Oceanic; Jacob Berman, managing director, Infrastructure and Transportation, Standard Chartered; Andrew Simmons, chief executive, GMTC LLC; Bora Bariman, National Bank of Fujairah; Amir Mosadeghi, chief executive, Islamic P&I Club; and Andrew Baird, partner, Watson, Farley & Williams. More speakers are likely to be added over the next few weeks.

Trevor Pereira, managing director, The Maritime Standard, says, “The first two Ship Finance and Trade conferences, held in 2015 and 2016, were both very successful, bringing together leading figures from the fields of shipping, ports, banking, finance, trade and law to discuss and debate the key issues. We have put together an even higher quality panel of speakers for this year, and then event is as a result certainly not one to be missed.” For more information and how to register go to www.tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com

The Maritime Standard is also holding its annual Awards at the Atlantis, The Palm, on Monday, October 23rd; and its second TMS Tanker Conference on Tuesday October 24th, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai. It is still possible to register to attend these events, and for the latest information please go to: www.tmsawards.com or www.tmstankerconference.com

Media Clippings:

Abu Dhabi hosts The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference 2017

The third annual The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference will take place on November 8th 2017 at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort. The event is expected to attract more than 150 senior executives from different sections of the market, including shipping, ports, finance and banking and law.

There will be distinct conference sessions following the keynote speeches, and these will deal with a number of themes, including regional trade patterns, ship finance, ports and shipping. There will also be a series of speeches giving details about recent case studies, illustrating how the financial sector can help release the full potential of regional shipping and ports operators to the benefit of trade and economic growth.

A high level group of expert speakers and panellists is being assembled by The Maritime Standard, and will include representatives from leading ship owners and managers, port operators, trade organisations, brokers and analysts, law firms and financiers. The event has also secured sponsorship support from a number of top maritime companies and organisations, including Abu Dhabi Ports as the host sponsor, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, National Marine Dredging Company, Islamic P & I Club and Dubai Maritime City.

Trevor Pereira, managing director of The Maritime Standard says, “This the third time we are returning to Abu Dhabi to hold this event, and this reflects not just the success of the first two, but the growing importance of the emirate as a regional trade, shipping and finance hub. We will have some important names from the industry speaking and a high quality audience of decision makers. These are still difficult times for the industry, but we aim to make sure this event will add real value and assist companies in charting a course towards success when the recovery gathers momentum.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “We are delighted to be hosting The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference, an important event for Abu Dhabi’s Maritime sector as well as the UAE. Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a regional hub for both finance and trade so it makes perfect sense to hold this event here, to underline the emirate’s growth in trade and transport both regionally and globally, in line with the leadership’s wise vision in supporting the development of the shipping, ports and logistics sectors of the economy.”

The TMS Ship Finance and Trade Conference is certain to generate a high level of interest and places are strictly limited. For more information about how to register go to: http://tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com/staging/conference/delegate-registration/

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Image Caption: (from left to right) Clive Woodbridge, Editor, The Maritime Standard; Sanjay Mehta, Chairman, S One Capital; Jesper Kjaedegaard, Partner, Mercator International; Jacob Berman, Managing Director, Standard Chartered; Anders Kron Commercial Manager Middle East, Sohar Port and Freezone; Venugopal Venkatesh, CFO, Oman Shipping Company; Ali Shehab, Deputy CEO, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Abdulkareem Al Masabi, executive vice president – ports unit, Abu Dhabi Ports; Trevor Pereira, Managing Director, The Maritime Standard; Khamis Juma Buamim, Managing Director & Group CEO, Gulf Navigation Holding; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Salem Alkatheeri, Director General, Federal Transport Authority-Land & Maritime; H.E. Sheikh Talal Al Khaled Al Sabah, CEO, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, Chairman, UAE Shipping Association; Capt. Abdul Wahab Al Diwani, Federal Transport Authority-Land & Maritime; Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports; Bora Bariman, Head of Energy & Marine, National Bank of Fujairah; Eng. Yasser Nasr Zaghloul, CEO, National Marine Dredging Company; Chris Peters, CFO, Emirates Ship Investment Company; Vasudev Amonker, Unit Head – Int’l Lending, Burgan Bank Group; Eng. Rashed Al Hebsi, CEO, Tasneef; Marcus Machin, Director, Tufton Oceanic (Middle East) Limited; Thomas Kriwat, CEO, Mercmarine Group of Companies; Ziad Touma, Partner, Fichte Legal Consultants

Editor’s Note: About The Maritime Standard

The Maritime Standard (TMS) publishes a regular e-newsletter aimed specifically at the shipping and maritime community. It is delivered fortnightly, on the 1st and 15th of every month, and has built up a circulation of more than 30,000 recipients. It delivers the most accurate, up-to-date news about the market and has built up the largest circulation of any shipping-related online newsletter in the Middle East and India. It is also gaining popularity in other major shipping hubs, including Oslo, Hamburg, Singapore and Greece. The newsletter includes news and analysis from the shipping and ports industries and related sectors in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. Topics that are covered include tanker, container, dry and liquid bulk, ro-ro, and cruise shipping; terminal operations; port development; classification; ship repair and conversion; shipbuilding; ship agency; finance and insurance; maritime law; and transportation & logistics. The newsletter regally carries exclusives, analysis and interviews with top executives.

Website: www.themaritimestandard.com

A very successful first edition of the TMS UAE Yearbook was published in 2016, covering all the major sectors of the shipping, ports and maritime industry in the UAE. The publication was launched at SMM in Hamburg in September and generated a high level of interest. The in-depth analysis of port, shipping, shipyards, maritime law, classification, regulation and inland transports on, and other topics, was well received by the industry. The TMS UAE Yearbook 2017 will be released in May, following extensive on the ground research and interviews with leading players.

The not-to-be missed The Maritime Standard Awards recognise and celebrate success in the shipping, ports and related sectors across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards are now positioned as one of the world’s leading shipping and maritime awards dinners and are the premier event of their kind in the region. The Maritime Standard Awards 2016, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman Emirates Airline and Group, attracted close to 700 of the region’s elite shipping and maritime professionals, as well as a number of leading figures from overseas. These guests came from a variety of industry segments, ranging from ports and terminal operators to ship owners and managers, and executives from the worlds of maritime law and finance, classification, ship building and repair and maritime education and training. The 2016 event had Jim Clancy, the well-known former CNN news anchor, as master of ceremonies, following on from Alistair Campbell and Ruud Gullit in 2014 and 2015 respectively. As well as 21 general awards categories, the TMS team presented 7 special individual awards recognising the contributions made by high profile industry leaders and innovators. The Awards have set a benchmark within the industry and have become an eagerly anticipated meeting place for top executives from across the business, where they can meet, network and create new opportunities. The Maritime Standard Awards 2017 will take place on Monday, 23rd October 2017 at The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

Website: www.tmsawards.com

The first The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference took place on 25th October 2016 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai, and attracted a high level audience who were able to hear presentations from many of the region’s leading tanker owners and operators, as well as experts in related fields. Attendees included key decision makers and opinion formers and the event was hugely informative, also presenting opportunities for networking and face to face contact. Those present were given a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities not just for ship owners and operators active in the tanker markets, but those delivering products and services to this sector.

For more information go to the website: www.tmstankerconference.com

The second Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference took place at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, on November 14th 2016. Like the first Conference, also held in Abu Dhabi, it was hugely successful, bringing together experts from the fields of shipping, ports, banking, finance, trade and maritime law, among others, to discuss and debate the key issues and trends facing the shipping business, and trade, in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. They willingly shared their insights and knowledge through a series of presentations and panel discussions, signposting the way forward, and identifying the key challenges ahead, as well as the significant opportunities that exist. A high level panel of speakers dealt with a number of themes including regional trade patterns, ship finance and ports and shipping. Speakers and attendees alike praised the content of the conference and the networking opportunities presented. There was appreciation of the fact that leading executives shared their industry knowledge and pointed the way to opportunities to adapt to evolving market situations in line with their forecasts.

For more information go to the website: www.tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com

Media Clippings:

All Action at The Maritime Standard

The Maritime Standard, the leading events, awards and publishing company, is gearing up for a busy few months with action in all sections. Towards the end of June, the first The Maritime Standard UAE Yearbook 2016/17 will be published, with reviews of activity in ports, shipping shipyards, maritime law, classification and other sectors of the maritime business in the UAE. Trevor Pereira, managing director, “This will be an invaluable publication that will have relevance year round. It will have a circulation of over 5000 and we are taking it to SMM, Hamburg in September. So those covered and supporting advertisers will get international as well as local exposure.”

Nominations have also recently opened for this year’s The Maritime Standard Awards. Mr. Pereira adds, “If you don’t nominate you don’t stand a chance to win; so get your nominations in by the deadline date at the end of August.” This year there are a total of 21 commercial categories to nominate for, and the winners will be announced at a Gala dinner at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, on 24th October. An elite judging panel, chaired by The Maritime Standard Editor, Clive Woodbridge, has been announced and there are very few categories available left for sponsorship. Those interested in the opportunities that remain should email sponsorship@tmsawards.com

The day after The Maritime Standard Awards, the company is hosting a high level tanker conference in Dubai on October 25th. A niche event for the tanker trade, it has been confirmed that KOTC chief executive officer, H.E. Sheikh Talal Al Khaled Al Sabah, will be the keynote speaker. Full details of conference programme and networking opportunities will be up on The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference website shortly.

Then to wrap up a busy six months for The Maritime Standard, the second annual The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade conference will take place on 14 November at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi. The website is up and running at www.tms-shipfinanceandtrade.com and the programme is being developed, with details being revealed over the next few weeks. Chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Ports, Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, is confirmed as key note speaker.

Trevor Pereira concludes, “We are very excited about the programme we have for the second half of this year. The programme that is put together is really unique and I am sure will help raise the profile of the maritime industries in this part of the world.”

Press Release

TMS networks in style

The Maritime Standard (TMS) celebrated a number of exciting new initiatives at a special networking reception held on a specially chartered yacht at Dubai Marina Yacht Club on May 3rd.

The evening event was attended by over 100 of the region’s top maritime business figures, including Former ADNATCO-NGSCO chief executive, H.E. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, Abdulkareem Al Masabi, chairman, Abu Dhabi Terminals, Ali Al Shehab, deputy chief executive of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) and many other senior decision makers, from the worlds of shipping, ports, finance and law, besides others. They took advantage of the opportunity to network in a laid-back, informal setting while sailing in the Dubai lagoon.

The business part of the event was kicked off by Clive Woodbridge, editor of The Maritime Standard, who was able to update guests on the progress made by the newsletter over the past year, which now has a circulation of more than 30,000. He said, “We are grateful for the support the industry in this part of the world has given the TMS newsletter. The feedback we get regularly indicates it is a welcome source of information.”

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Clive also revealed an exciting new event, the first The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference, which will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, October 25th 2016. Clive said, “The tanker market is one that is full of interesting challenges and opportunities at the moment right across the region. This new one day conference will bring together some of the foremost figures in the tanker shipping business and related fields to highlight what steps are needed to take full opportunity of such positive trends.” Clive then confirmed that the second annual Ship Finance and Trade conference will return to Abu Dhabi, taking place at the Sheraton Towers Hotel on Monday, November 14th 2016.

Clive further announced the first The Maritime Standard magazine, The Maritime Standard UAE Yearbook 2016/2017, which will include articles reviewing recent activities and future plans of the region’s port, shipping, shipbuilding and repair, maritime technology, law, insurance and other sectors. He added: “This is a publication that will be a reference book for the 2016-17 financial year and will have a long shelf life. It will be the definitive guide to what is going on in the region and will be a publication that will be referred to again and again.”

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TMS managing director, Trevor Pereira, then officially welcomed attendees to the network evening, and shared the latest news about The Maritime Standard Awards, which will return to the Atlantis, The Palm, for a third year in a row on Monday 24th October 2016. “I promise you that in line with 2014 and 2015 it is going to be one big night of celebration and acknowledgement. We have 29 Awards representing quite literally every trade in Shipping and Maritime,” he said.

Trevor then revealed the TMS Awards Judges Panel. New additions this year include Mohamed Ali Ahmed, COO from DP World; Abdulrahman Essa Al Mannai, President and CEO from MILAHA; Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Terminals; Capt. B.B. Sinha, Chairman and Managing Director from The Shipping Corporation of India; Koichi Murata, Regional Manager from ClassNK; Ali Al Shehab, Deputy Chief Executive officer from KOTC and Capt. Brian Course, quality and compliance manager from BAHRI.

The evening was rounded off by some excellent food. Trevor concluded, “We have been taken back by the success of this networking event. The fact that so many top level people attended shows clearly there is a real need for opportunities like this, and we plan to repeat it again in 2017.”

Media Clippings:

Ship Finance and Trade conference highlights scope for growth

The inaugural The Maritime Standard Ship Finance and Trade Conference, which took place at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, on 26th November, highlighted the opportunity that exists for sustained growth and expansion within the region’s shipping and ports sectors, provided investment is sustained and cooperation between various stakeholders strengthened.

A stellar line up of speakers and panelists from the worlds of shipping, ports, finance and law set out the gains that could be made and the challenges that have to be overcome. After a welcome by H.E. Salem Al Zaabi, Director General of the Federal Transport Authority – Land and Marine, Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, chief executive for ADNATCO-NGSCO, highlighted the importance of investing in local human resources, as well as ships. “We need to continue investing if we are to grow,” he said. H.E. Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, director and vice chairman of DP World added that cooperation was key to taking growth forward. “The dividing line between risk and reward is very small,” he said, “It is up to us to seize the opportunities that are there.”

He was followed by former Greek finance minister, Petros Doukas, who led a high level Greek ship-owner delegation to the event. Mr. Doukas underlined the lack of liquidity in the market, and the fact that it was still not easy for shipping companies to borrow money. He also noted the challenge that Arab banks faced in competing on a global scale. He ended by saying, “Greek shipping companies are looking for partners in the Middle East, and this cooperation will be mutually beneficial.”

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of the board of DDW-PaxOcean Asia, told the audience there was a need to create opportunities with real growth orientated policies.” It is the time for leadership and vision. We need to invest and innovate to capitalise on the huge potential that exists,” he concluded.

The keynote session ended with a speech by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports, and host of the event. He argued that, “Ports in the region need to adopt advanced technology to generate expansion and growth.”

Other speakers in the ‘think tank’ session that followed included Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president of DP World; Ahmed Essa Hareb Al Falah, chief executive of Gulf Energy Maritime; Jorn Hinge, chief executive of UASC; Andre Toet, chief executive of Sohar Port; Jacob Berman, managing director, infrastructure and transportation, Standard Chartered Bank; Rajiv Agarwal, chief executive Essar Ports; Vasudev Amonker, unit head, Burgan Bank and Tarik Al Junaidi, deputy chief executive, Oman Shipping Company.

Around 150 delegates attended the event and came from across the region, as well as from the Far East and Europe.

Managing director of The Maritime Standard, Trevor Pereira, said, “This is our first conference and we managed to gather together a high quality cast of speakers and panelists the like of which has not been seen before. Through the interaction of these great minds, with their many years of experience, I am confident that there will be longer lasting impacts for our industry and tangible outcomes.”

He added,” I would like to thank our hosts in Abu Dhabi, which is a strong and vibrant force within the maritime sector today. It is highly appropriate that the event should be held here at a splendid venue, fully befitting such a gathering.”

Clive Woodbridge, conference moderator and editor of The Maritime Standard concluded that, “The conference was perfectly timed as there was a sense in the room that we are on the cusp of a pivotal moment in the development of the shipping industry in the region. As many speakers stressed there are significant opportunities to be grasped, but only if there is the right level of investment in the right assets.”

Media Clippings:

Endorsed by
Sponsors
Host
Abu Dhabi Ports- sponsor of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2016
General Sponsor
Notepads and Pens
General Sponsor
General Sponsor
Supporting Associations
Conqueror Freight Network- TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
The Dubai Council for Marine & Maritime Industries- TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Globalia Logistics Network- TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Indian National Shipowner's Association- TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Organisation of the Islamic Shipowners Associations- supporter of TMS Tanker Conference 2016
Media Partners
Cargo Connections- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Freight book- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Marino World- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Mudrock Media- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Port News- supporter of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2016
Project Cargo Network- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Robban Assafina- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Ship2Shore- supporter of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2016
Supply Chain Brain- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017
Universal Freight Organisation- Media Partner of TMS Ship Finance & Trade Conference 2017

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