Abu Dhabi Ports
Abu Dhabi Ports highlights emerging trends in trade and logistics sectors The Ports Operator recently hosted the Fourth Annual Partners’ Forum to tackle pressing issues and challenges confronting the ports, maritime, trade and logistics sectors.
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he emerging trends and topics influencing the future of global seaborne trade, their impact on local and regional businesses, and the importance of innovation in shaping the trade and logistics sectors were discussed recently at the Fourth Abu Dhabi Ports’ Annual Partners’ Forum. The annual gathering brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, partners and customers to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the trade and logistics sectors. This year’s edition of Abu Dhabi Ports’ Partners’ Forum saw the participation of major UAE government bodies and private sector companies. In line with the UAE’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the 2019 forum was held under the theme of ‘Charting our Future Together’ and attracted a large number of representatives from government entities, international businesses, UAE companies and trade organisations. The event was inaugurated by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, who stressed in his keynote address that collaboration has been one of the foundations of Abu Dhabi Ports’ success. “The Partners’ Forum continues to grow as we welcome more and more customers and government stakeholders, reflecting the significance of providing industry leaders and business influencers with a platform to exchange knowledge and discuss the latest opportunities in the region,” he remarked. The latest edition of the forum also featured lively panel discussions on the role
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that innovation and smart port solutions can play in the trade and logistics sectors. The research conducted by Abu Dhabi Ports showed that more than 70% of respondents believe that these sectors in the GCC are more prepared to incorporate automation and smart solutions compared to the global industry. A section of the panellists included Dr. Adeeb Alafeefi, Director, National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the UAE Ministry of Economy; Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, Director, Strategy & Marketing, Etihad Rail; Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director, Administration Affairs, Abu Dhabi Customs and Ross Thompson, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports.
Top three innovations It also confirmed that blockchain technology, the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) and artificial intelligence are the top three innovations shaping the trade and logistics sectors.
Panel discussions at the forum also focused on the impact of population growth, trade patterns, waste management, ocean pollution, and collaboration to promote business growth. Panel discussions at the forum also focused on the impact of population growth, trade patterns, waste management, ocean pollution, and collaboration to promote business growth. The research revealed that population growth and efficient management continue to be regarded highly by the trade and logistics sectors. Over the past few years, Abu Dhabi Ports has made significant strides in harnessing innovative digital solutions for trade and port communities. In 2018, it launched Silsal, a blockchain-based solution aimed at streamlining trade flows and supply chains. More recently, the company has partnered with Dell Technologies to explore ways to harness the most exciting technologies to make the future of maritime operations and services safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.