Winners announced for Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa 2020

DUBAI, UAE,

Sallam Sallam

The winners of the 17^th Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa 2020 were announced, on December 14, 2020 during a unique first of its kind virtual ceremony. Recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, the event honoured the work of individuals and organisations that made a mark this year despite the global pandemic.   

The expert judging panel consisting of 17 industry thought-leaders and CEOs of major maritime companies selected companies that tackled the crisis and achieved growth and business development amid the market disruption.

All the winners are committed to deploying sustainable business models to strengthen the status of the maritime industry that is a key pillar defining a nation’s success and development. Their efforts have ensured significant growth in the industry in terms of achieving the common goal of green and smart shipping.

The stellar list of 2020 winners included:

• Logistic Solution of the Year Award: P&O Maritime Logistics for its Offshore Logistics Platform: A More Efficient Energy Supply Chain
• Shipping Company of the Year Award: Bahri
• Pandemic Response Award: Abu Dhabi Ports
• Sustainability Award: Red Sea Gateway Terminal
• Intelligent Shipping Award: RAK Ports for its Saqr Port – Optimising Port Operations with Dynamic UKC

The first Diversity & Equality Award for Seatrade Maritime Awards was awarded this year to The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. They are working tirelessly to ensure it’s culture, strategy and policies all work hand-in-hand to achieve an environment for its employees where equality can thrive.

Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President of Ship Management at ADNOC Logistics & Services was awarded the Personality of the Year 2020 Award. His Excellency Admiral Osama Monir Mohamed Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award 2020. Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO of Tristar Group was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award 2020.

H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malik, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said: “It’s a moment of pride to see that key players from the UAE have won accolades at the Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa 2020. This award is the most prestigious honour in the maritime industry as the winners are chosen by the independent industry experts after taking into account several factors. This is a clear indication that over the years, the maritime industry has only advanced and grown exponentially. The pandemic has changed the way events are being held, yet this event was on par with the in-person version. By successfully hosting the awards virtually the team at Seatrade has underpinned the fact that the future of the industry does indeed lie in the adoption of digital technologies and smart tools.”

Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade, said: “The winners of this year showcased resilience and tackled the challenges that arose due to the COVID-19 crisis with determination. Despite the upheaval in the market, they continued efficient operations by devising strategic business models. Numerous companies have embraced digital transformation and modern technology to ensure business is not impacted. This gives the maritime industry hope that there is scope for recovery from the effects of the pandemic and ample room for growth.”

Mr Hayman added, “We would also like to appreciate the hard work of all our finalists who have achieved great milestones this year. They too have utilised their capabilities to the fullest, contributing in a major way to the growth of the industry in the region”

Dr. Ahmed Yousef, Associate Dean of the College of Maritime Transport and Technology at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Sharjah Branch, said: “All the winners of the Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa 2020 are an inspiration for other players in the industry. They have set a precedent for everyone to follow with their excellent work. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the team at Seatrade for hosting the virtual version by using top-notch digital tools and providing an immersive experience. The hosting of this event has reaffirmed the industry’s faith in the power of technology.”

The virtual award ceremony was held on the first day of Seatrade Maritime Middle East Virtual (STMMEVirtual) that will conclude on December 16, 2020.