All aboard at annual ship tech conference

Ship owners and operators got together with technology providers and charterers recently to examine the challenges they face in achieving operational efficiency and sustainability.

The main themes of the ninth Middle East (ME) Ship Tech Conference in Dubai were global trade patterns, smart operations and business, Middle East offshore market survival and shipbuilding, and the changing international maritime regulations related to technology, crew and safety. The event was sponsored by Saudi Aramco’s Marine Department.

The conference also focused on the development of an understanding of macroeconomic trends as they relate to trade perspectives.

Mohammad A. Al Sultan, acting manager of Saudi Aramco’s Marine Department, delivered the keynote address and noted that the company is keen on manufacturing high-quality work boats. He said Saudi Aramco owns large offshore fields and is a major offshore vessel owner, operator and charterer.

Al Sultan also discussed the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services at Ras Al-Khair, which is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.