Middle East shipping companies will be amongst several international companies awarded for their commitment to safety at sea during an upcoming maritime event in Dubai.

The Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the region’s leading shipping event, will take place from October 26 to 28 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is the first time the ceremony will take place in the Middle East.

The decision to hold the awards in Dubai is indicative of the expansion of the shipping sector in the region and its continuing humanitarian efforts to ensure safety at sea, said Benjamin Strong, director of marketing, Amver Maritime Relations.

“We felt it important to recognise the good work being done by companies across the regional shipping sector and Seatrade Middle East Maritime is the perfect venue for us to present these prestigious awards when so many of the shipping fraternity are under one roof,” Strong said.

Amver Awards are given to vessels that have participated in the programme and assisted in sea safety missions over 128 times in one year.  Special Amver awards are given for dramatic or exceptional rescues.

The Amver Awards Programme was started in 1971 and is awarded by the US Coast Guard as a way of thanking local shipowners for their support in the programme.

“We are honoured that the Awards will be presented at Seatrade Middle East Maritime,” said Emma Hamilton, marketing manager Middle East.

“The ceremony further emphasises our importance on the maritime map as the ‘must attend’ event for the Middle East.”

Seatrade Middle East Maritime was launched in 2003 and has seen substantial growth attracting over 6000 attendees and 313 exhibitors in 2008.

A major highlight of this year’s show will be the high level conference that has attracted more than 40 influential speakers internationally to discuss the state of the industry, shipping finance, the expanding Middle East fleet, ports and terminals and offshore marine support. – TradeArabia News Service