Intertanko Tanker Event Ready for Dubai

Exciting program for the Dubai Tanker Event March 28-31, 2004 Preparations for this year's tanker gathering continue to progress swiftly, promising an interesting and comprehensive program for delegates and visitors.

In addition to the INTERTANKO Annual General Meeting, Executive Committee and Council meetings, the Dubai Tanker Event will feature a series of open conference sessions covering a wide range of topics. As tankers and other shipping markets are enjoying good times on the back of a recovery in world economy and unprecedented growth in China, INTERTANKO has secured a solid panel of industry experts who will share their forecasts for global energy markets and how tanker owners best can prepare to meet future developments.

With Dubai as its venue, the program will naturally focus on developments in the Middle East. Speakers from regional oil companies have been invited to discuss current trends in Middle East crude oil, gas, chemicals and refinery markets. And a separate session will take a closer look at pollution preparedness and environmental issues in the region, with specific attention on oil spill response and problems related to invasive species in an enclosed sea area.

In recent times, much debate has focused on the public image of the tanker industry. Despite a significant improvement in safety records, the perception among regulators and the general public is mainly influenced by high-profile tanker accidents. The industry and individual companies' ability to cope with the intense media scrutiny following an incident is crucial and can have great impact on political and public reactions. In a session dedicated to the importance of incident management, two speakers with first-hand experience in handling the media during a crisis will share their insights and views on how the industry and individual companies can prepare. INTERTANKO will also sponsor two separate Media Awareness courses during the Dubai Tanker Event, where participants will have an opportunity to learn about the media world and its approach to shipping matters. A separate session will also centre on the importance of identifying root causes and looking beyond the immediate source to incidents. Every day incidents are written off as 'human error', costing the industry millions of dollars. However, a better understanding of cause and effect would help mariners and shore staff predict and avoid latent failures, saving the industry from injuries, wasted time and loss of business opportunities. The Dubai Tanker Event 2004 will offer an opportunity to visit an acknowledged and fast-growing international business center. With unparalleled global interest in the region as a commercial hub, the United Arab Emirates continues to develop at an impressive pace while ground-breaking real estate developments testify to great vision and ambition.

The Dubai Tanker Event 2004 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and is kindly sponsored by ABS, V.Ships, GAC, International Tanker Management, Green Award Foundation and Braemar Seascope. As demand is great, we encourage early registration and reservation of hotel space.

Contact Anders Baardvik