CimbriaSailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023Geneva DryPort of South LouisianaTelestack
  • Geneva Dry
  • Sailors Society
  • TBA Group
  • Telestack
  • Vigan
  • TMS Awards 2023

Arab sea ports focus on post-COVID-19 challenges

Arab sea ports focus on post-COVID-19 challenges

(Posted on 22/05/20)

Abu Dhabi Ports has held a virtual roundtable workshop with port operators from across the Arabian Gulf, to tease out shared experiences, challenges faced and best practices when dealing with COVID-19.

Hosted by video conference, and held in cooperation with the Arab Sea Ports Federation (ASPF) Regional Office based in Abu Dhabi, the agenda included presentations from Ports and Maritime Affairs – Bahrain, Mawani – Saudi Ports Authority, Kuwait Port Authority, Port of Salalah , as well as the port operators of Fujairah, Dubai and Sharjah and who all touched upon shared experiences relating to business continuity, health and safety, performance, and sea operations.

In a wide-ranging discussion, the port operators agreed on standardised sterilisation procedures when receiving vessels arriving from affected countries, preparedness to meet the challenges of COVID-19, and the measures and solutions required to create a post COVID-19 business environment.

The workshop was conducted in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Yousif Abdullah Al Subah, General Manager of Kuwait Port Authority and President of the Arab Sea Ports Federation (ASPF), who emphasised the necessity of having continuous discussions and coordination among ASPF members especially in times of difficulty: “Maritime trade serves as a vital lifeline for the entire global economy. Our meeting today reminds all those within our sector that we must not only commit to delivering business continuity and upholding the health and safety of our seafarers, but we must endeavour to take a flexible and open approach towards future plans relevant to the situation.

“Forums that have the scope to facilitate experiential knowledge sharing and support quality operational improvements ultimately contribute to boosting intra-regional and international trade. We are confident that we have unlocked measures to ensure our industry is well positioned to take the correct course of action to overcome this emergency,” he added after the conclusion of the workshop.

Captain Mohamad Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports and Vice Chairman of the Arab Sea Ports Federation, said: “The coming together of port operators from the region with the support of the Arab Sea Ports Federation embodies our region’s spirit of unity and cooperation in responding and acting to the pandemic.

“Navigating our maritime and logistics industries into a post-COVID-19 recovery phase requires a robust regional and international effort in underscoring our resources and planning and preparing for future growth.

“Although the crisis has produced a profound impact on our lives, economies and societies, implementing agile business continuity procedures in our ports has mitigated potential operational losses and has left us well placed to recover quickly.”

Expressing his gratitude to Abu Dhabi Ports for organising and preparing the workshop, Abdulla Al Muharrami, Head of the Regional Office of Arab Sea Ports Federation - UAE, stated: “Abu Dhabi Ports has always been a fervent supporter of efforts to collaborate and activate the role of our regional office.

“We can take great pride in the success of Arab and Arabian Gulf port operators in sustaining business continuity in the face of unprecedented challenges.

“Our meeting today has borne fruit by allowing us to formulate a clear vision on the mechanisms required to overcome the crisis and providing a roadmap for growth in the post-pandemic era.”

Representing Abu Dhabi Ports, Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Chief Corporate Authority Officer said: “Abu Dhabi Ports proudly joins hands with the region’s maritime operators in sharing knowledge on the best international practices that will enable us all to speedily overcome the challenges presented by COVID-19.”

Latest News

Heyport optimises port operations in Morocco with smart berth planning

(Posted on 15/06/25)

The smart berth planning platform heyport has been successfully deployed across all five Marsa... Read more


Brunei ports launch Kale Logistics Solutions' Maritime Single Window

(Posted on 15/06/25)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has announced that its national Maritime... Read more


AD Ports and ASRY to collaborate on strategic maritime and ports projects

(Posted on 15/06/25)

In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative... Read more


HHLA strengthens in Ukraine with majority stake in Batiovo Terminal

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is investing in a further terminal in Ukraine. The company is... Read more


Leading Scottish renewables port invests £3m to accommodate wind turbine boom

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Peel Ports Clydeport has invested £3m in infrastructure to support growing demand for handling... Read more


Kevin Beardsley appointed Duluth Port executive director

(Posted on 02/06/25)

Following a national search in the USA, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners have... Read more


Major Liverpool cement terminal to support UK construction growth

(Posted on 30/05/25)

A new cement import facility in North-west England is set to play a pivotal role in UK construction... Read more


Vancouver USA signals future as key global outlet for soda ash

(Posted on 30/05/25)

The Port of Vancouver USA port leaders and partners have broken ground on a project to construct a state... Read more


Pilbara Ports initiative to boost seafarer wellbeing

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Pilbara Ports has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare by improving onboard... Read more


SSA Marine sustainability milestone at the Port of Los Angeles

(Posted on 15/05/25)

SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, has announced that... Read more


Bühler GmbHVan AalstViganPort of StocktonTBA Group
  • Cimbria
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping