Saudi Arabia hosts Inaugural Forum for Shipowners

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held the first annual forum for shipowners in Al-Khobar. The event was held in patronage by the Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA), H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih. The forum marked a key moment in the Kingdom's work to build collaboration within the maritime industry, drawing in key representatives to discuss issues, and build collaboration between professionals in the field.

The event featured over 85 experts from across the maritime sector, making this the largest classification of accredited bodies in the Kingdom. These included accredited educational institutes, ship-owning deputies and executives, and major national maritime companies. The event served as a significant platform for collaboration and cooperation between these entities, aligned with the Kingdom’s aims to build a stronger and more sustainable maritime sector for the future. As an active Council Member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Kingdom is constantly working to drive positive discussion and change within the maritime industry.

Participants discussed several key issues at the event, such as the development of new technologies in the maritime industry, including the role of artificial intelligence (AI). They also talked about supporting new seafarers through effective education, certification, and skills development, and using operational efficiency and other methods to reduce environmental impact. All of these discussions aligned with the Kingdom's commitments within the IMO to support the themes of Safety, Sustainability and Seafarers.

The event also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the TGA and the Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore SAS. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation, apply best practices across the two entities, as well as build on environmental and social governance practices in all aspects of marine sustainability.

The event showcased the Kingdom's commitment to its aims within the IMO and its wider Vision 2030 goals. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between the various maritime entities within the country thereby leading to dynamic solutions to issues faced by the industry. This will have a rippling effect on global maritime practices, building efficiency and sustainability for the future.