UAE: ADPC Joins International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has joined the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW) and is joining in celebrations for the international Day of Seafarers, launched around the world last year.

ADPC joins ICSW in promoting the welfare and well-being of seafarers in Abu Dhabi and to raise awareness about seafarers and their contributions to the communities they serve.

ADPC will welcome a large group of seafarers in a celebration taking place at the company’s HQ auditorium tomorrow as Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, Executive Vice President of the Ports Unit, ADPC; will express the company’s continuous support and commitment to seafarers across the UAE.

With Abu Dhabi city surrounded by water and heavily dependent on seafarers for trade, safety and security, ADPC takes this opportunity to herald seafarers’ contributions. The Emirate enjoys400 kilometres of coastline and 200 natural islands, on which seafarers historically formed the core of island life in Abu Dhabi. Transporting food, cargo, goods to and from the island on a daily basis, they defined a major aspect of the capital’s growing economic development.

Commenting on the event, Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, stated: “With the great history and relationship our beloved country has with the sea, ADPC is an important enabler of all sea related aspects and seafarers are the arm by which our communities rise and grow through seatrade. As we join the international seafarers’ community in celebrating seafarers in Abu Dhabi, we want to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all seafarers in the UAE who have helped made the Emirate what it is today.”

ADPC develops a host of ports throughout the Western Region, the city and as far north as Taweelah, where the state of the art Khalifa Port, adjacent to Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) will open in September. ADPC is building on the history of the UAE where seafarers historically managed fishing and pearling fleets, with active boat yards where highly skilled craftsmen forged the traditional ‘dhow’, which quickly became noted as one of the sturdiest vessels afloat.

Seafarers’ Day is a celebration of seafarers across the globe; it started in 2011 where organisers spread the word by sharing and reaching to the community by providing their comments in an online campaign. The objective is to thank seafarers for their contribution.

This year, the emphasis will be placed on the positive influence seafarers have on the daily lives of ordinary people, through maritime transport, global trade and sea transportation.

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Source: ADPC, June 25, 2012