“While the economic downturn has taken its toll on the global shipping industry, the Middle East market for workboats of all kinds continues to show vigorous growth,” said Christopher Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, organiser of the Middle East Workboats exhibition and conference from 5-7 October 2009 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Workboats include tugs, ferries, supply vessels; police, fire, patrol, pilot, rescue and oil spill boats; along with, dredgers, barges and floating cranes. More than 2,000 such vessels are estimated to be docked or repaired in the Middle East.
The Middle East Workboats exhibition and conference – now in its second year - is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Public Works and Chairman of the National Transport Authority.
Sheikh Hamdan has described the Middle East Workboats event as “an important platform for the industry” in light of developments and land reclamation projects underway in Abu Dhabi. He added that a large number of marine projects including new islands, gas and oil operations will require marine transport and related services.
(www.middleeastworkboats.com)