UAE: Clarion Events Announces Launch of Maritime Security and Surveillance Conference

Clarion Events announced the launch of its inaugural Maritime Security and Surveillance conference, which will address a variety of issues focusing on developing strategies to maximise coastal security, combatting piracy and other crimes at sea, enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and improving harbor and port security by driving multilateral cooperation and capacity building based procurement.

To be held at the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Maritime Security and Surveillance conference will take place from 29 – 31 January 2011.

According to Dryad Maritime Intelligence, an estimated $150m was paid in ransoms for ships, cargoes and crews to pirate gangs in 2010 and a record of 1,181 seafarers were kidnapped.

Efthimios E Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stated that piracy costs the world economy between $7bn to $12bn annually.

Joanna Edwards, Portfolio Director, Clarion Events Middle East, said: “The Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) is taking threats seriously and has invested significantly in defense and security. In 2010, Forecast International estimated that $68.3bn was invested by the GCC in defense and security technologies. The same report predicts this investment will grow to $82.5bn by 2015. The Maritime Security and Surveillance conference will provide the ideal platform to network and showcase the latest technologies to combat maritime threats.”

Global experts and leaders in the security and defense industry will be present at Maritime Security and Surveillance to provide attendees with a comprehensive analysis on the latest strategies, equipment and technologies that can effectively and efficiently combat criminal activity.

Topics of discussion at the conference include: current and emerging threats and risks to the Gulf region; collaboration and cooperation to strengthen maritime security operations in the GCC; the impact of climate change and environmental changes on maritime security in the region; protecting vital economic, transport and distribution chains; defending coastal installations and offshore oil and gas facilities; regional approaches to anti-piracy operations and future priorities for improving maritime security in the region.

Attendees to Maritime Security and Surveillance will include representatives from Navies, Port Authorities, Critical National Infrastructure Authorities, Customs/Border Security Agencies, Research Organizations, Shipping Companies, Coastguard, Defense and Security Contractors, Consultancies and more.

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Source: Clarion Events, November 21, 2011; Image: SeaSecurity