The debate on shipping economics takes place at the Middle East Money and Ships conference (December 14-16), which runs alongside the Seatrade exhibition. High level speakers from international and regional banks specializing in maritime finance along with leading regional shipping operators will be taking part.

The region plays an important role in world shipping with the now one of the most active international maritime centers in the world. The region is also pivotal in global energy, and related transport and economic growth across the region has driven record volumes of containers and increasing bulk cargo.

Other crucial topics to be debated at the Money and Ships conference include energy and dry bulk transportation; shipbuilding and repair; fuel, emissions and green technology; port construction and development; and the challenges of recruitment, training and retention of crews.