Oman's 'Landlord Port' in regional Maritime expo spotlight
The latest Middle East addition to the container terminal industry, Oman International Container Terminal (OICT), is to have its international launch at the region's premier maritime event in Dubai next month.
OICT's brand new facilities, part of Oman's US$ 12 billion Sohar Port development project, will be unveiled to a global audience at Seatrade Middle East Maritime (SMEM), at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 4-6.
"The terminal is ready for business with a capacity of 800,000 TEU, and the capability to go up to six million if required," said Jan Meijer, CEO of port operator Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC). "The terminal will receive her first vessel just before SMEM."
OICT has commenced commercial operations ahead of schedule, transforming the former greenfield site into a world-class container handling facility.
Its 'landlord' business proposition combined with the adjacent deep-sea Sohar Port is expected to win substantial backing not only from SMEM's extensive visitor base but from within its wide geographic exhibitor spread which this year encompasses over 250 companies from 32 countries.
Sohar's geographical position in the booming triangle of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat combined with the 'landlord port' concept are seen as key selling points.
"This is a distinctive concept within the region, global examples of which are in Rotterdam, Antwerp, New York and Singapore, and regionally in Saudi Arabia, Iran and India" said Meijer.
"This model maximizes the involvement of the private sector in port operations like tugs, pilotage, linesmen, stevedoring and warehousing. Because these companies are specialized they can offer quality and competitive rates while SIPC can concentrate on issuing rules and regulations and establishing the framework for health, safety, environment, emergency and security," he continued.
Sohar is being transformed into a thriving maritime and industrial hub. The port and container project is one of the largest of its kind in the world and forms a new chapter for a city with a rich maritime history. Eventually, the Port of Sohar will employ approximately 6,000 people directly and over 24,000 people indirectly.
SMEM 2006 is to be the largest in the history of exhibition and conference - now among the world's fastest-growing maritime industry events with first-time participation from France, South Korea, Singapore and Bangladesh.
"SMEM's growth mirrors the maritime industry's rising fortunes both internationally and regionally. The Middle East industry's development is evidence by the fact that this year nearly 53% of exhibitors are from this region," commented Chris Hayman, Managing Director of Seatrade - the international maritime publisher and events organiser behind SMEM.
"SMEM 2006 has grown by 23% on the 2004 edition and encompasses the vast spectrum of maritime activities and features new pavilions from the French, German and Pakistani industries."
A three-pronged conference programme will run alongside SMEM 2006 which will include dedicated segments for the cruise, general shipping and SuperYacht sectors.
Meanwhile, the third Seatrade Dubai International Maritime Awards (DIMAs) will be presented at a gala dinner to coincide with SMEM 2006. The awards are the leading honours recognizing top industry achievers in West and Central Asia.
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About Seatrade Middle East Maritime:
SMEM 2006 is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Principal sponsors are Gulf Energy Maritime and National Iranian Tanker Company.
As the region's premier maritime event, SMEM plays host to a three-pronged conference programme including dedicated segments for the general shipping, cruise and SuperYacht sectors.
SMEM 2006 is sponsored and supported by Dubai Maritime City and the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.
SMEM 2006 is officially supported by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, DP World and the International Association of Ports & Harbors, Dubai Maritime City, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.
Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries, Clyde & Co, BP Marine, Bulk Shipping & Trading - Karachi, Charter Trade Global LLC, Eurasia Group, Dubai Drydocks, Emarat Maritime, Lloyd's Register, Nico International, Norton Rose, Pacific Shipping Trust, Scan-Trans Middle East, Sharaf Shipping Agency and Vela International Marine Ltd.
For further information:
Gladson Ronad,
MCS/Action,
PO Box 20970,
Dubai.
Tel: +971 4 390 2960;
fax: +9714 390 8161.
email: gladson.r@actionprgroup.com
Or visit SMEM online at: www.seatrade-middleeast.com
© Press Release 2006
