Dubai, 16 May 2016: Emirates Classification Society “TASNEEF” participates in the Offshore Arabia Conference & Exhibition 2016, which started today 17 May 2016 and will run until 18 May 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the conference will discuss the major challenges facing the maritime industry in the state, and national efforts to develop this sector. Key issues and topics related to the regional and global marine environment, oil and gas, shipping, and the renewable energy industries will also be addressed.
At the conference opening, Eng. Rashid Al Hebsi, CEO of TASNEEF, said that the marine sector is an active partner in the process of comprehensive development in the UAE, noting that the UAE owns a total of 2,290 ships, 223 of which carry the UAE flag with a cargo capacity of 500 tons. He added that 14,558 ships docked last year in the country's ports, bringing the total number of ships dealt with through the country's ports to 16,848 ships comparing to 17483 ships passing through Suez Canal in 2015. He pointed to the UAE's unique strategic location within the map of shipping routes, saying: "We take pride in the fact that we today export our marine products and services to the United States, Germany, and other developed countries, which have gained confidence in the UAE marine products, which they regard as being at the same level of the products of leading industrialized nations. We will continue our efforts to further build this confidence across the world, and to see the UAE flag flown over all ships operating in the region.”
Al Hebsi said: "At TASNEEF, our vision is to establish an integrated Arab maritime economy that makes use of the capabilities and strategic location of this region, situated in the heart of the global trade routes. We also intend to redirect large funds spent in the maritime sector, which are benefiting foreign companies operating from their countries and do not contribute to the transfer of knowledge and experience to our countries, in order to make full use of their underlying economic potential. Thus, we are committed to establishing a presence in all seas overlooking the Arab countries, out of a conviction that there is an urgent need for our services by Arab ship owners, operators, and investors in this vital and promising sector."
It is important to mention that in a short period of time, TASNEEF has successfully implemented new standards of quality control with regards to building vessels and making them operational, fulfilling the needs of the Arab world and its unique temperatures. One of their first achievements, the Sahara Standard for ship specifications that operate in hot climates, saves 15% of operating costs and fabrication when compared to ships built and operated in oceans and areas with cold climate. Moreover, TASNEEF is the accredited entity for the GCC Code, as well as the UAE Yacht Code, the first of its kind in the world. It is currently developing standards for the Floating Seahorse Villas to be built for the first time in the UAE.
Action plan for the Maritime Emiratization Index
At the Offshore Arabia Conference & Exhibition 2016, TASNEEF will announce the launch of the Maritime Emiratization Index, one of the main initiatives contained in the declaration of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Youth Summit for Empowering Emirati Youth Leaders in the Maritime Domain, which was organized by TASNEEF Academy in January 2016. At the conference, Al Hebsi clarified that the action plan for the Maritime Emiratization Index aims to have a real impact and encourage national institutions and companies to hire Emiratis in the maritime sector.
Marasi News magazine, the first national magazine covering all news and topics related to the maritime, oil and gas sectors, will be the sponsor of this index and will monitor all developments by maintaining communication with national institutions and companies operating in the UAE. Al Hebsi emphasized: "Our aim is to motivate all our youth to take part, as of today, in the preparation for the celebration called for by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, fifty years later, when the last barrel of oil is shipped from the UAE. The maritime sector is in great need of national talents to ensure the continuity of the UAE’s international standing in the field of international shipping and trade."