Shipping remains the world`s best choice for the efficient, viable and eco-functional transport of goods in today`s global environment…
Shipping remains the world`s best choice for the efficient, viable and eco-functional transport of goods in today`s global environment, according to Eftimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the United Nations` specialised agency responsible for improving maritime safety, efficiency of navigation and prevention and control of pollution from ships.
Speaking in advance of a planned visit to Dubai, where he will chair the second Dubai International Maritime Awards (DIMA), the maritime honours for top achievers in West and Central Asia, Mitropoulos said shipping is still unrivalled as a transport mode.
Shipping continues to reign unchallenged as the world`s most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to transport goods and materials in the global economy, and we need to do all we can to recognise, reward and promote quality whenever and wherever it is found within the industry, he said.
Mitropoulos said this year`s DIMA, which will be presented on 12 December at Grand Hyatt Dubai, will go a long way to promote greater safety and environmental issues within the industry, particularly within the Middle East.
Because the Middle East is a major trading region, in particular as supplier of much of the world`s demand for oil, achieving the highest possible technical standards in shipping throughout the region is of paramount importance from both the safety and environmental viewpoints, he said.
This year`s DIMA, organised by publisher and event organiser Seatrade, will cover 10 key categories – having expanded from the inaugural awards to include awards for dry bulk shipping, liner shipping, energy transport and maritime service sectors. Existing awards will cover safety and quality in shipping, innovation in shipping, port operations, countering marine and atmospheric pollution, and education and training – plus the highly anticipated Seatrade Personality of the Year for West and Central Asia.
As most of these are directly in line with the goals and objective of the IMO, that is the safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans, they carry considerable international importance, said the Secretary-General.
Rear Admiral Mitropoulos, who is also an Honorary Member of the Federation of Shipmasters` Association, gave an optimistic forecast on Dubai`s aims of becoming an international maritime hub.
The geographical location of Dubai gives it an excellent opportunity to consolidate its position as a maritime centre of global significance. It has always had a particularly strong presence in the ship repair market and there is no doubt that recent years have seen Dubai record excellent growth figures, across several maritime industry sectors and this trend seems set to continue, he explained.
He added that potential maritime hubs have to ensure their facilities keep pace with demand and services provided are of high quality yet competitively priced.
The Dubai Maritime City concept demonstrates how seriously that challenge is being taken up and gives an excellent indication that Dubai is willing and able to act in a concerted and innovative fashion to achieve its aims in this respect, he said .
The IMO Secretary-General will chair a four-strong DIMA judging panel which will also include Captain Jitendra Misra, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers; UAE Branch; Captain Duncan McKelvie, Chairman of the UAE Branch of the Nautical Institute and Tony Muncer, Chairman of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, Dubai.
DIMA will coincide with Middle East Money & Ships 2005 – the Middle East`s conference for maritime financiers, insurers, lawyers, banks and investors being held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai from December 12-13.
DIMA are sponsored by Charter Trade Global LLC, Dubai Drydocks, Lloyd`s Register and GAC. They are supported and endorsed by Dubai Maritime City and Dubai Ports Authority. The deadline for DIMA entries is September 28. Entries must be submitted by the official entry form available on www.seatrade-global.com/DIMA and completed forms should be emailed to dima@seatrade-middleeast.ae, the DIMA secretariat.
Photo: Eftimios Mitropoulos to chair the second Dubai International Maritime Awards
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
