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Senior officials from companies taking part in Middle East Workboats 2009, currently being held in Abu Dhabi, have used the conference to express optimism about the future growth of the regional support vessel market.
“The increased development in offshore activities in Abu Dhabi will keep us busy for some time…and I am upbeat about the future of offshore vessels in this part of the world due to mega offshore projects and the stabilising of crude oil prices,” said Darwish Al Qubaisi, GM of Esnaad, Abu Dhabi.
A large delegation from China is also attending the event this year. The city of Zhoushan in the Zhejiang Province, which accounts for 10% of Chinese shipbuilding capacity, has sent 10 companies to Abu Dhabi.
“We are exploring the international market and this region is very strong in the offshore supply support sector and that is why Middle East Workboats comes into the picture for us,” said Ma Guohua, vice mayor from Zhoushan municipality.
Discussion topics being covered at the even include crewing and manning for the workboat sector; safety and efficiency; contractual issues; offshore financing; pollution prevention and clean-up methods. Piracy, its threat to free trade and safe passage will be dealt with in an open panel session.
