Global Maritime Leaders Lead Industry Dialogue At APM 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Offshore, shipbuilding, green shipping and a growing Asia are the main sectors to be discussed at the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2012, which will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 14 to 16 March this year. Regarded as Asia's premier maritime event, APM is set to see dynamic discussions between world maritime leaders on the outlook of the shipping industry and opportunities to help industry players cope with the slowing economy. "The strength of the shipping industry is inexplicably tied to volatile economic trends and trade patterns. However, despite the uncertainty in the shipping industry, the outlook for Asia remains bright," said Nobor Ueda, Chairman and President of ClassNK and Vice-Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies Ltd. (IACS) Council in a statement Wednesday. Maritime associations in Asia are optimistic on the region's ability to ride out the storm and steer towards a positive forecast. Nazery Khalid, Senior Fellow of Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) said, "Malaysia has a thriving offshore oil and gas sector and we will continue to consolidate our position as the deep-water hub in the South East Asian region and commanding lead in handling halal cargo. Intra-ASEAN and intra-Asian trade volumes are also expected to grow, and so will transhipment. These will provide some glimmer of hope to what will otherwise be a tough year ahead for ports." On the launch of the Malaysian Shipping/Ship Repair Industry Strategic Plan 2020 in December 2011, Nazery said it will give a much needed boost to the local shipbuilding and ship repairing industry. "The plan charts a clear course to develop and promote Malaysia into a major player in the small- to medium-sized ship building market, attracting investment, nurture expertise and create employment," he added. Meanwhile, Michelle Lim, Managing Director of Reed Exhibitions, which organises APM, said: "90 per cent of the exhibition space has been taken up and we are expecting over 13,000 visitors." -- BERNAMA