Robust future for ME project logistics & breakbulk sector

ABU DHABI / Emirates Business

The current low oil price environment has provided robust opportunities in the Middle Eastern project logistics and breakbulk sector — a critical part of the supply chain supporting the fast-growing regional infrastructure project sector, as discussed at the Breakbulk Middle East launch press conference on Sunday.
At the press conference, Breakbulk officially announced that HE Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority will be the patron of the event.
HE Dr. Abdullah Al Katheeri, Director General, Federal Transport Authority, said: “The second annual Breakbulk Middle East will soon convene here in Abu Dhabi. It is focused on a vital transportation sector — the movement of project cargo — which is essential for oil & gas, energy and infrastructure projects throughout the region. The timing is ideal because we have billions worth of projects in the pipeline. Breakbulk Middle East will bring together the region’s leading shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, transport specialists and related service providers to strengthen the value chain and thus contribute to the success of these projects and the growth of the GCC.”
Following the announcement a panel of industry experts discussed some of the key opportunities
and challenges facing the project cargo transportation and logistics sectors in the Gulf.
Analysis by global management consulting firm AT Kearney identifies opportunities for Middle East oil and gas players to take advantage of the growing global demand for natural gas. Now is an attractive point in time for the Middle East players to tap into these opportunities and benefit from the current level of lowered upstream capital costs combined with lower raw material prices.
Ada Perniceni, Partner, AT Kearney said at the press conference: “In the next few years the Middle East is likely to increase its exporting position in gas in addition to meeting the fast-growing regional demand. We expect to see more projects kick off and an increased demand for suppliers such as logistics providers servicing this sector.”
Mark Rimmer, Event Director – EMEA, Breakbulk, commented: “There are some unique challenges and opportunities in the Middle East when it comes to infrastructure projects and the associated breakbulk and project logistics sectors forming part of the supply chain. How regional players leverage the current low cost environment is a key talking point, and one we’ve only touched on today. Breakbulk Middle East conference is the ideal forum to expand on this and other critical themes, and we’re looking forward to lively discourse and in-depth analysis at the event.”
During the press conference speakers from key sponsors also provided their expert insight and analysis on the trends to be discussed at the Breakbulk Middle East conference.
HE Dr. Abdullah Al Katheeri, Director General, Federal Transport Authority was joined by senior representatives from Abu Dhabi Ports Company,
Almajdouie Logistics, and Bahri to discuss how regional organisations can capitalise on the current industry landscape.
Following the success of the inaugural Breakbulk Middle East event, the second conference and exhibition will see even more of the world’s largest EPCs, logisticians and transport providers come together in Abu Dhabi. Megaprojects in the region —oil & gas, electricity, water, renewable energy, infrastructure — will be a key focus.
With a vision to succeed as a global trade hub, Abu Dhabi was again chosen as the ideal destination for the event, welcoming international visitors, businesses and investors to the Middle East to discuss the key challenges and opportunities found in the breakbulk and project logistics sectors in the region. Breakbulk Middle East will be at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi on 23-26 and will be co-located with NATRANS Expo.
Breakbulk Middle East 2016 will welcome 63 exhibitors, 46 speakers and 250 delegates, pre-event 23rd and October 24 focus on heavy lift workshops and educational day. Exhibition, conference and seminars on the October 25&26. Breakbulk is pleased to welcome its sponsors, Abu Dhabi Ports, DP World, Almajdouie, Bahri, Rickmers-Linie, Cheekay Shipping, Hoegh Autoliners, Rohling, Sarjak, APM, Geodis and Modulift.