Gulftainer, together with Momentum Logistics, participated in the 5th Trans Middle East Conference and Exhibition, which took place at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Bahrain from 24 to 25 November 2009.

Gulftainer, named 'Port Authority and Terminal Operator of the Year' at SCATA 2009, shared a stand with Momentum for the exhibition, and was also a sponsor of the event. Gulftainer Group Commercial Manager, Keith Nuttall, was one of the 35 speakers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, addressing the 500 international sea freight conference delegates regarding some of the concerns relating to ports and shipping, in light of the global financial crisis.

The presentation , entitled 'Challenging Times' - The Container Shipping and Ports Environment in the Middle East 2009', focused on the effects of the crisis so far and the necessity of preparing for a 'hard to predict' future.

Trans Middle East Conference and Exhibition at Bahrain

"2009 will be the toughest year ever for the container industry; world trade has contracted and there is likely to be minimal growth until 2011. However, the Middle East region should fare better than most. We are expecting considerable economic development in many Middle East countries, such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the region's young population, coupled with the large economies and populations in many of the region's countries, will also contribute to continuing growth. Changing world trade patterns will also mean more, bigger ships in the region's ports, something we are already experiencing," he said.

Without doubt, efficient, well-equipped relay terminals that act as hubs for the wider region have become essential. Khorfakkan Container Terminal, which Gulftainer manage and operate on behalf of Sharjah Port Authority, long been known for its high productivity rates, is a prime example of such a terminal. Both Khorfakkan and Gulftainer operated Sharjah Container Terminal are currently undergoing expansion to ensure that they will be able to continue providing top-quality, efficient service to ships of all sizes.

"There is no doubt that the UAE will continue to be a dynamic business hub, despite challenges and downturns in other parts of the world, though local property/ construction market will take time to recover," said Nuttall. "Trade volumes both locally and for the region have been affected, but we expect to see them rebound slowly in 2010 then speed up. Most economies in this region will recover quickly in the next couple of years with decent growth. Through the expansion of both our port management operations and our logistics business, with Momentum, we aim to be ready to deal with the upsurge in volumes and activity when it does occur, and until that time, our efficient, cost-effective service can help lines minimise their costs during this difficult period."

Proving that Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT) staff can turn their capable hands to anything , mid December saw the defending America's Cup holder 'Alinghi' being loaded at Mina Khalid Sharjah en route to Valencia Port in Spain.

Originally, the venue of the 33rd America's cup yachting competition was to be Ras Al Khaimah, but a recent legal challenge succeeded in changing the location of the forthcoming race to Valencia.It was therefore essential that the stunning 90 feet long multihull cup defender from Switzerland be shipped to Spain quickly as the race series starts at the beginning of February 2010.

Sharjah was the chosen port and skilfully and promptly one of the terminal's mobile harbour cranes loaded the valuable craft on to the on-carrying vessel. Another - albeit unusual - job, safely handled.

'Alinghi' being loaded by SCT staff

We wish Alinghi all the best for the race series!

Container wash and repair at SICD

Momentum has completed construction of its new container wash and repair depot, located at the Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD). This brings the number of fully-equipped facilities operated by Momentum to three, including one at Khorfakkan Container Terminal and one at Port Khalid, (Sharjah Container Terminal).

Work on the facility started in March 2009, and the container repair unit is now fully operational offering a full range of services including container inspections, CSC plate renewals, structural repairs to all types of containers and a full set of services for reefer containers.

Speaking of the development, Momentum Logistics General Manager Matthew Derrick said, "We are delighted to have launched this new dedicated container wash and repair facility at the SICD to join our two operating depots at Khorfakkan and Port Khalid.

This new facility will enable us to continue to offer the highest quality of service to our customers, as we strive to take the standard of service and communication to the highest possible levels".

Momentum's container repair division operates a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week repair service for steel, aluminium, open-top containers, flat racks and reefers transiting Sharjah and Khorfakkan terminals, and now SICD, combining competitive rates with rapid turnaround time. Other services include refurbishment, steam cleaning, washing and pre-trip inspections of reefers, and the division also maintains and re-supplies ships' reefer kits.

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