UAE: Leading Specialists Convene Maritime Security and Surveillance Conference

Leading specialists from governments, armed forces and the maritime security industry will convene later this month at the Maritime Security and Surveillance conference to share intelligence, ideas and lessons learned, whilst exploring the future possibilities and risks facing the Gulf Region’s coastal and offshore zone.

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 2012.

Iran is currently raising global concern by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 15 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait on a daily basis, which accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s oil supply, so any restriction in access has the potential to cause considerable economic damage.

Rear Admiral Christopher Parry, Former Director General, UK Ministry of Defence​ and Strategic Military and Security Advisor, Clarion Events, said: “Our Maritime Security and Surveillance conference has been specifically designed to address the region’s most pressing current and emerging issues, including the implication of Iran’s recent threat to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz. Speakers and participants will also explore innovative, comprehensive approaches to protect the offshore zone, integrate coastal security arrangements and combat piracy and criminality at sea. We aim to deliver leading-edge thinking and new technologies that will reinforce Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and improve port security by driving multilateral, multi-discipline cooperation, continuous capacity-building and vulnerability-based procurement.”

Day one of the Maritime Security and Surveillance conference will focus on proactive measures that governments, armed forces and others tasked with responsibility for maritime security can take to mitigate the risks posed by offshore threats.

The opening speaker, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General, Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), will highlight the necessary collaboration and cooperation of the GCC to strengthen maritime security operations in the region.

Following his presentation, Commodore Simon Ancona, Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces and UK Maritime Component Commander in Bahrain, from the Royal Navy, UK, will discuss combined maritime operations and the response to current maritime threats facing the Gulf Region.

The international efforts and initiatives to facilitate safe, secure and efficient shipping will be explored by Chris Trelawny, Deputy Director Maritime Safety Division, IMO. Trelawny will illustrate how the IMO is supporting regional and international military efforts along with urgent priorities to halt the growing threat to the region’s economy from piracy, other crimes at sea and more.

Other speakers confirmed to participate on day one include: Rear Admiral Christopher Parry, Former Director General, UK Ministry of Defense and Strategic Military and Security Advisor, Clarion Events; Christian Le-Miere, Head of Maritime Security, International Institute of Strategic Studies; Commander Jonathan Worthington, Naval Staff – Director Defense Studies, Royal Navy, UK; Captain Duncan McKelvie, F.N.I., Area Marine Representative, NYK Line, Dubai Office; and others.

Day two of the conference will provide comprehensive solutions and operational strategies on tackling a variety of scenarios and maritime threats.

Captain Edward Cashman, Commander DESRON 50, US NAVCENT will continue the theme of Commodore Ancona from day one and will speak about building further cooperation and collaboration in coalition maritime security operations.

Captain Phillipe Cornez, Director, NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence will focus on the future challenges that mine warfare poses and Nick Davis, CEO, Maritime Guard Group will question what it takes to really prepare for the next big maritime incident.

In addition, Carina Dixon, Chair of the ICHA International Security Panel will speak about port security management and ISO 28000 and a panel discussion will be held to explore the future priorities for improving maritime security in the region.

Joanna Edwards, Portfolio Director Defence & Security, Clarion Events Middle East, said: “We are delighted that we have managed to secure speakers of the highest calibre with stellar global reputations to participate in the Maritime Security and Surveillance conference. Our prime focus is to organise a conference that provides attendees with a comprehensive analysis of both current and future threats faced in the maritime domain, alongside the latest strategies and innovations that can be used to counter them. We are certain that this will be a must attend conference for those involved and concerned with maritime defence and security across the region.”

The final day of the conference will feature workshops and specifically showcase the latest technologies available to tackle specific maritime threats. The sessions held on day three will provide companies with an opportunity to present the latest and innovative solutions to significantly enhance regional maritime security.

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