Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2014 closed yesterday in Dubai and we take look back at who said what over the last week at the region’s leading maritime event where ambitious future plans were outlined.

Admiral Mohab Mameesh, chairman and managing director of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), stressed the importance of its expansion project. “The Suez Canal is being improved not just for (the benefit of) Egypt but for all peace-loving nations.”

Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE minister of Public Works and chairman of the National Transport Authority forecast major growth for its maritime sector. “Our expectation is for its contribution to rise further, to about 25% through the establishment of national authorities and companies focused on the developing local maritime legislation, regulations, operational strategies.”

Established in 2012 UAE classification society is looking to gain early IACS membership. Fichte & Co managing partner Jasmine Fichte explained: "IACS is asking for a company to have been around for ten years before joining, what we in the Middle East are asking is if there is any chance of having this waived, because otherwise it means having Tasneef literally on hold for 10 years."

United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) is open to cooperating with other stakeholders in the LNG supply chain, but is not in the process of building a Middle East refuelling stop, Jørn Hinge, UASC president and ceo, said: “UASC maintains ongoing dialogue with key industry players and will continue to explore areas of cooperation related to LNG fuel and in general going forward.”

The Middle East is facing an overcapacity in ship repair yards according to Geoffrey Taylor, md - marine engineering, Topaz Marine. “Is there overcapacity in the Gulf? In my opinion yes there is, definitely,” he told told delegates at Seatrade Middle East Maritime.

Qatar’s Halul Offshore explained its plans to expand into Africa and Southeast Asia. Vivek Seth, Halul Offshore’s ceo said: “We are revisiting our whole strategy [of] how to grow beyond the Middle East. We have a good reputation here.”

EPC fabricator Eversendai sets out its ambitions to move into jack-up rig construction. Narish Nathan, Eversendai Offshore ceo, stated: “The market might get refreshed with our approach. I think we can do four rigs a year. At $90m [apiece], our rigs are a lot cheaper [than those built by the competition]. Quality is our first priority.”