The first Maritime Security and Surveillance Conference commenced at the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE, addressing both local and regional offshore challenges and threats.
An introductory speech delivered by Rear Admiral Christopher Parry CBE, Former Director General DCDC, UK MoD and Strategic Military and Security Advisor, Clarion Events, began the comprehensive three-day Maritime Security and Surveillance Conference.
Rear Admiral Christopher Parry CBE , said: “The Gulf lies at the center of the global trade between the developing east and the developed countries of the west. The region is critical to the security, stability and prosperity of the world. The security of the seaways and sea lanes giving access to and from the Gulf are of strategic significance, and crucial in ensuring the free flow of oil, gas, and other commodities to sustain world economic growth.”
The conference welcomed over 200 delegates from UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, USA, UK, Europe, India and Sri Lanka. Several leading experts and professionals from numerous defense organisations from across the world participated on day one. Speakers consisted of senior level officials from the: IMO; Combined Maritime Forces; US Coast Guard; Royal Air Force; NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Centre; and others.
Lieutenant Commander Sheikh Mubarak Ali Y. Al Sabah, Chief of Maritime Operations, Kuwait Coast Guard , said: “I am delighted to be at the Maritime Security and Surveillance Conference. It is an honour to be a speaker discussing the integration between the GCC coast guards and frontier guards, especially working in the Arabian Gulf. It is a good opportunity to show all the participants what we have and what we have achieved as GCC coast guards.
Guy Thomas, Science and Technology Advisor, US Coastguard , said: “I am delighted to participate at this conference, as it is a focal point for maritime security. There are a lot of needs for surveillance in the Middle East region, and it gives us a chance to speak of those needs. As a result, it provides a lead element in developing a world coalition to tackle offshore threats.”
Strengthening the conferences credibility and presence in the Middle East, sponsors of the Maritime Security and Surveillance Conference include: Thales; MARSS, a Sonardyne Company; Maritime Guard Group; Airborne Systems; C4 Advanced Solutions; PAL Provincial Aerospace; and Greyside Group.
Fadi Samara, Chief Operating Officer, C4 Advanced Solutions , said: “C4 Advanced Solutions is a proud sponsor of this event as we are committed in our drive to continually improve and develop the right security solutions for the region. We chose Anti-piracy as a topic as it relates to the key issues facing the marine environment today.”
The Maritime Security and Surveillance will end on 31 January, providing all attendees with all-inclusive strategic and technological solutions to combat offshore threats and mitigate both human and capital damages.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 30, 2012; Image: afoc