Dubai - Leading shipping technology and training systems providers from Russia said yesterday that Dubai is gradually emerging as the crew training hub for global shipping lines from the Middle East and North Africa region as it would provide a cost-effective option compared to the Far East and Europe.
Terming it a vital development adding value to Dubai's hub status in the regional shipping industry, representatives of Russian companies said that many shipping companies are now opting to train their crew within the region itself as part of streamlining costs.
The Russian companies will also be taking part at the upcoming Ship & Port Arabia 2005 during September 3-5 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).
Commenting on the development, Andrey Ilyin, Managing Director, Transas Middle East said, "The focus on Dubai as a crew training hub signifies the increasing importance of the emirate as the focal point in the regional shipping industry."
"Once Dubai Maritime City is completely operational, this trend will continue to pick up further, adding value to Dubai's proposition to the global shipping industry," he added.
"Many ship owners, who earlier used to prefer sending their crew for training to the Far East and Europe, are realising that it is not a cost-effective way of upgrading skills since Dubai is making such facilities available right at the doorstep of their operations," he added.
The Transas Group is one of the companies with base in Russia taking part at the Ship & Port Arabia 2005, apart from a host of Russian companies, keen to tap the growing demand for shipping technology systems in the region's market.
The Russian companies taking part at the Ship & Port Arabia 2005 include Zavod Hydromechanizaciy specialising in dredging systems, anchor chains producer Krasny Yakor Ltd, Sealing Materials Plant Ltd., Vneshtorggermetik Ltd., ProfiExpo, etc.
Commenting on the Russian participation at the Ship & Port Arabia 2005, Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services said, "There is tremendous untapped potential for trade between Russian and the UAE and the region in general and the participation of the Russian companies at the exhibition comes in this context. We are confident that the expo will offer a robust platform to increase trade and economic engagement further, particularly in the shipping industry."
"We have conceived Ship & Port Arabia 2005 as a unique show focusing on next generation marine technology and services since these are key areas of the shipping industry. Technology plays a salient role in global shipping industry now and we are confident the show has the very best of these cutting-edge products and services showcased. The expo also covers ship building, shipyards, ports, logistics, engineering among others presenting a broad spectrum of the industry to the visitor," he added.
Ship &Port Arabia 2005, supported by Dubai Ports Authority, Saudi Port Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Port, Abu Dhabi Port Authority, and Sharjah Port Authority, will serve as a one-stop platform for trade and technology updates across the entire spectrum of the maritime industry.
Ship&Port Arabia 2005 will feature a Dubai Shipping & Logistics Conference, organised by the Dubai Shipping Agents Association. Experts and the top executives of leading shipping companies will deliberate on latest technologies, market trends and growth patterns at these conferences.
© Khaleej Times 2005
