Abu Dhabi will host the Middle East Workboats 2008 in April 2008.

The exhibition, to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 28 to 30, 2008, will be supported by a high level conference aimed at senior managers and decision-makers. The event is being organised by Seatrade.

Some of the topics to be discussed during the event include multi-billion dollar projects in the Middle East oil and gas industry which are driving developments in the design and operation of the workhorses of the sea. 

Abu Dhabi, the heart of the workboat industry in the region, is fast becoming a gateway to the global workboat business with projects in hand totalling more than $400 billion.

The energy industry in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE is investing a combined total of $56.7 billion in offshore oil and gas projects, according to database company Proleads.

In liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects alone, all of which require terminals, Qatar, Oman, the UAE and Kuwait are investing more than $21 billion in facilities.

“The sheer numbers tell the story. The Middle East and the Arabian Gulf in particular is fast becoming a global market for workboats, irrespective of their size or function,” said events director at Seatrade Vanessa Stephens.

An example of the unprecedented demand for offshore supply and service vessels across the oil and gas industries is provided by ESNAAD, the supply arm of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. It currently manages a fleet of 36 vessels and has 10 new vessels on order for delivery at the end of 2008.

Among the other industry related topics at the Middle East Workboats conference will be the financing of workboats, contracting arrangements and the expanding regional construction and repair facilities.

The importance of maintaining the safety record of workboats along with class rules will also be examined along with technological changes in small craft and manpower recruitment in today’s challenging environment.

Middle East Workboats has gained industry backing with sponsors including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ESNAAD, Irshad, Det Norske Veritas, TJ Shipping and Logistics, Nico International, Svitzer and Wartsila. Supporting organisations include the International Marine Contractors Association and the UK’s Royal Institution of Naval Architects. – TradeArabia News Service