The event hopes to encourage discussions about the challenges that ports are facing, creating a forum to devise solutions to tackle the roadblocks

Held under the patronage of The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Breakbulk Middle East 2021, the region’s leading event in the project cargo, breakbulk and heavy lift sector has received support from some of the leading ports in the GCC region. Year on year, the platform has proved beneficial for maritime stakeholders and the industrial project supply chain, receiving support from leading logistics and supply chain management players from around the world. The two-day conference and exhibition is scheduled to be held in the UAE on February 9 and 10, 2021.

DP World, UAE Region, the leading trade enabler, will once again serve as the event’s Host Port. The company has consistently supported Breakbulk Middle East as it is a proven platform that opens up opportunities and encourages the growth of the sector.

The breakbulk industry at Jebel Ali Port and Jafza, DP World, UAE Region’s multimodal trade and logistics hub, is one of the most promising sectors. It connects traders and owners from the breakbulk sector to markets in Asia, Africa and Europe. The Jebel Ali hub offers access to a market of over 3.5 billion consumers. The Al Wasl dome, the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world, which will offer millions of visitors to the Expo an unparalleled visual experience, was safely discharged and transported to its destination, thanks to the efforts of the administration at Jebel Ali Port. Additionally, DP World, UAE Region, is responsible for ensuring all Expo-related cargo brought into Dubai is handled safely and in a timely manner. The port’s advanced capabilities allow it to handle all types of breakbulk, bulk and project cargo, whether it’s from the Expo’s dome to luxury yachts.

Thriving in a competitive market

The UAE has been among the fastest growing economies in the MENA region to resume commercial activities previously halted to curb the spread of COVID-19. Precautionary measures and safety protocol has been formulated to ensure business continuity. As port development in the region reaches new heights, capitalising on opportunities is what a successful future will remain dependent upon.

Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports clarified, “With Abu Dhabi Ports owning, managing and operating 10 ports in the UAE, we are aware that a robust and advanced infrastructure is vital for success in today’s market. One of the directives as an organisation is to support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to foster a sustainable and diversified economy.”

“As well as 1st class infrastructure and superb service levels, we believe in customer choice. It is our goal to provide complete end-to-end supply-chain support solutions to our increasing list of global customers, and help them realise competitive advantage and growth, especially during challenging times. Therefore, it is important that we regularly take time to actively listen and consider how to calibrate and position ourselves to the rapidly evolving dynamics of the world’s trade community.”

“This has allowed us to consistently contribute to the sector and simultaneously grow as an organisation. Breakbulk Middle East has also demonstrated its ability to align with the industry’s best interest, and as a result, they too have been able to grow year in and year out.”

Enhancing the maritime sector

The hosting of Breakbulk Middle East comes at an important time as the maritime shipping industry is going through a major shift due to the economic downturn. Despite this, ports in the region have showcased resilience to maintain the supply chain, alleviating the impact of the crisis.

Ben Blamire, Event Director of Breakbulk Middle East said, “Maritime trade accounts for about 90 per cent of the total global trade. This sector is crucial to the economic growth of countries. We are expecting a gradual growth in spite of the pandemic. The strategic location of ports in the UAE and the Middle East have given them an edge, enabling them to thrive. We hope our platform enhances the maritime sector in the region, increasing their shares even further.”

To offer insights to profesionals from ports and carriers in the industry, Breakbulk Middle East will host a session titled Carrier Check in: Business Outlook for 2021. This session will feature leading regional carriers, who will discuss strategies to adapt to the shift in project focus throughout the region. They will also reveal the strategies employed to combat the challenges of 2020 and talk about new opportunities, cargo and trends that can be expected in 2021.

Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director of Breakbulk Events & Media said, “The breakbulk sector needs huge investment to ensure smoother, safer and faster services for maritime customers and shipping lines. Now, with the COVID-19 crisis, the industry has bigger challenges to deal with. We hope that we can address these challenges and deliver an exciting, inspirational and rewarding platform where our partners can forge new opportunities.”

Despite the current industry challenges, the ports in the Middle East are continuing their efforts to boost their country’s economy and enhance global trade. The collaborations between Breakbulk Middle East and the ports will prove to be beneficial to the maritime sector in the region.