Seatrade Middle East Maritime (SMEM) 2010, the region’s leading event for the maritime and shipping industry featuring over 300 exhibitors and 40 industry speakers, opened in Dubai on Tuesday.

The three-day event was inaugurated by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World and DP World, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Now in its fifth showing and covering three halls, the 'SMEM 2010' is hailed as the ‘must attend’ networking arena for the maritime industry, said Chris Hayman, chairman of Seatrade, organisers of the event.

'The event provides a great insight into the development of the industry. The Middle East maritime industry has stabilised well in 2010 and there is a steady increase in activity,' Hayman remarked.

'Visitors to both our exhibition and conference will learn more about the current technological advancements in the industry and what to expect from the market in the near future,' he added.

The SMEM starts hot on the heels of last night’s Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards at the Atlantis The Palm Dubai, which honoured individuals, companies and organisations who have raised standards across the entire maritime industry during the past 12 months.

Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO of Dubai World and joint vice chairman of DP World, was honoured with The Seatrade Lifetime Achievement Award, at the ceremony.

Bin Thania made the keynote address to delegates as the SMEM Conference opened this afternoon, with the first session ‘Middle East Voice in World Shipping’ kicking off the discussions.

The key speakers in the opening session include Peter Swift, managing director, Intertanko; Waleed Al Dawood, chief operating officer, United Arab Shipping Company; Nabil M. Bourisli, chairman and managing director, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Scott Jones, chief executive officer, Emirates Ship Investment Company; Mohammad Souri, chairman & managing director, NITC and Per Wistoft, chief executive officer, Gulf Navigation Holding.

'The high-level conference programme provides an unrivalled insight into the state of the market and key trends as well as sessions on the major market sectors including tanker, dry bulk and container shipping, on port development and on the region’s expanding engagement with offshore,' Hayman stated.

Some of the challenges to the industry, including piracy and the environmental issues will also be discussed.

SMEM 2010 will be the largest to date, in terms of size and content.  There is an impressive conference line, hosting some of the most high acclaimed experts from the industry with a series of debates including the state of the industry, the expanding Middle East fleet and the popular Money & Ships forum, as well a number of new elements at the event.

The Technical Seminar Theatre is another new addition to SMEM 2010, it will host a series of Technology Forums in association with the European Marine Equipment Council (EMEC), giving exhibitors the opportunity to present new technology or products to the maritime audience.  Taking place on 27 and 28 October between 2 and 4 pm, the free-to-attend Technology Forums will be located behind Hall 7 in DICEC, and will be chaired by Vela International Marine’s marine operations manager, Talal Bakheet.

Another first this year is the hosting of the Amver Awards, making its debut in Dubai, the ceremony will take place on 26 October in the Technical Seminar Theatre.

The renowned awards will honour shipping companies’ commitment to safety at sea, with many Middle East companies in the running for an award.

Since its inception in 2003, SMEM has grown to become the largest event for the maritime and shipping industry in the Middle East.  Major exhibitors at SMEM 2010 include: Topaz Energy & Marine, ABS, Castrol, DP World and Drydocks World.-TradeArabia News Service