UK-based Clarksons Platou, a leading integrated shipping services provider, has opened its fourth largest office in Dubai, UAE, as part of its global expansion plans. It already has offices in London (UK) Oslo (Norway) and Singapore.

The new office located at the Gold Tower, provides an ideal platform to expand the company’s operations in the Middle East, India, Egypt and Morocco, particularly in brokerage services in the dry cargo, specialised products and offshore markets, said a statement from the company.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of government officials, decision makers, and maritime leaders, including Amer Ali, executive director of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA); Nawfal Al Jourani, chief officer of Dubai Maritime Cluster Office; and Essam Bella, managing director of Clarksons Platou.

Speaking at the event, Ali said: “This meeting represents a practical demonstration of the Dubai Maritime Cluster Office efforts to connect with the maritime sector leaders as we strive to build a fruitful and solid partnership with Clarksons Platou, which has a long history of leadership, success and excellence in the world of maritime services for over 165 years of time.”

“We will spare no effort to build bridges of constructive cooperation with private sector leaders as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our strengths and build a secure, sustainable and comprehensive maritime sector that is capable of supporting the economic diversification process pursued by Dubai and the UAE,” he added.

Bella said Dubai was significant to the company as it strongly pushes forward its ambitious expansion plans, taking advantage of Dubai’s high potential.

“The emirate is characterised by advanced infrastructure and legislation, an environment conducive to business and investment, and competitive components at ports and marine services, making it among the world’s best maritime centres,” he added.

“Given its strategic location as a link between East and West, Dubai provides the ideal gateway for us to serve our extensive customer base in the Middle East. We look forward to our new office providing us with the opportunity to manage our regional operations efficiently from one of the world’s most attractive and competitive maritime centres,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service