Abu Dhabi to host Breakbulk conference

Abu Dhabi, Feb 5 (IANS/WAM) The third annual Breakbulk Middle East conference will begin in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, bringing together the foremost experts in the industry along with shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, transport specialists and related service providers.

The two-day conference will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Seventy exhibitors, 30 speakers and around 2,000 delegates are expected to take part in the event which includes a conference programme as well as an exhibition.

According to Abdulla Salem Al Katheeri, Director General of the Federal Transport Authority: "Across the ever changing landscape of project cargo, Breakbulk Middle East provides a unique meeting place where cargo owners and specialist logisticians can meet, learn, form partnerships and build relationships across the entire breakbulk cargo chain."

"The UAE is a key player in driving offshore investment in the Middle East region with a total growth of $170 to $190 billion between 2014 and 2017.

"It currently accounts for an estimated 30 to 35 per cent of total regional maritime sector investment at $66 billion," said Al Katheeri.

DP World company -- UAE Region will be showcasing its breakbulk and project cargo handling capabilities at the event.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and MD of DP World, said that Jebel Ali Port (operated by the firm) has rolled out a major plan to meet the projected increase in demand for breakbulk and project cargo, including heavylift, services in the run up to World Expo 2020.

--IANS/WAM

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