Seatrade Maritime Middle East Virtual offers steadfast support to all sectors in the maritime industry

Dubai, United Arab Emirates,

Sallam Sallam

Seatrade Maritime Middle East Virtual 2020 (SMMEV), the region’s leading event in the shipping industry, is set to take place virtually from 14-16 December 2020 with its live event confirmed for late 2021.  The international event, directed at supporting the maritime industry in the Middle East has achieved a great reputation in the region as a platform that offers opportunities for all sectors of the maritime industry. This year, considering the disruption in the market, SMMEV will act as a hub where industry professionals will converge to discuss the recovery and development of the industry in the post-Covid-19 era, as well as look at important industry topics.

Taking into account the significance of the event in the industry, the decision to host the event virtually, is a move much appreciated by industry professionals who rely on this platform for valuable insights. At a time when the industry is in dire need of support to chart out a roadmap to generate business in light of the continuing epidemic, the support that SMMEV is offering is noteworthy. This emphasizes their leading position in the maritime events segment. For years, it has been recognised as a comprehensive event that unites key members of the sector. 

A critical time for a vital sector

H.E. Eng. Hessa Ahmed Al Malek, Executive Director, Federal Transport Authority for Land & Maritime (UAE) said: “There is no doubt that the global COVID-19 crisis represents the most severe of its kind in more than a century. Countries and businesses around the world are struggling to find ways to tackle it. However, even during this challenging time, the maritime and shipping industry has played an integral role in helping the world cope with this crisis by securing vital supplies of food and other essentials. This also prompted the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to demand that seafarers and other marine personnel should be considered as key workers as they are helping the world get through a difficult phase.”

She added: “We must all work together to defy the crisis and analyze the conditions, so we can devise the best practices to overcome the challenges and help the sector recover and grow. As an event that is significant in the industry, SMMEV has the capabilities to help businesses survive the crisis by helping them find solutions without wasting any precious time. This platform has always been a paradigm in the maritime events space, strengthening the maritime sector in the region, year after year.”

Uniting the industry

Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade said: ”Seatrade Maritime Middle East has been considered as one of the largest maritime events, gathering a wide spectrum of companies in the maritime sector from various segments, right from ports, shipping and ship management companies and marine services to classification societies.. As a platform, biennially, it has brought together industry leaders, helping them connect, build relationships and explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration. The evolution of the live event into a virtual one will be a major milestone for the event.”

Chris Morley, Event Director, Seatrade Maritime commented: “While the industry has many maritime events that focus on specific sectors, SMME is considered as the most diverse. The maritime value chain is inter-connected and the event caters to every segment. This is precisely why it adds value to businesses, while also informing them about new developments in the industry and helping find solutions.” 

He added: “Through our agenda we are addressing the interest of each sector, while maintaining broad communication channels that allow maritime professionals from diverse fields to mingle. We believe that the virtual version will also work in their favour as participants can attend live sessions or stream it later on-demand. 

Dr. Ahmed Yousef, Vice Dean of the College of Maritime Transport and Technology at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Sharjah said: “SMMEV is considered as a unique experience for businesses in the maritime sector. It will give them the chance to request for virtual meetings with concerned parties, enhancing networking opportunities as compared to the traditional events, where meetings and networking opportunities were limited due to overloaded schedules. The new capabilities that the industry will obtain through this virtual event, will help in developing more business opportunities. For us, this event is the pinnacle of digital innovation. Organizing and managing events of this stature is commendable.”

SMMEV 2020 will be a game-changer in the maritime events sector. Its prominent features like the ability to interact with speakers and experts in real-time, have virtual meetings and even the virtual stands for exhibitors will make for a unique experience, empowered with the latest technology tools for all its partners and attendees.