World Ports & Trade Summit (WPTS) Concludes in Abu Dhabi

WPTS highlighted accelerated growth of maritime industry, voiced sustainability concerns

The World Ports and Trade Summit (WPTS) 2012, which recently concluded in Abu Dhabi, has asserted the strategic importance of the Emirate in marine transport, and the need to tackle accelerated growth requirements of the industry while mindful of mounting concerns about sustainability.

The participants at the Summit were in consensus about achieving a strategic vision for the long-term development of the industry, being clearly aware of the effects of climate change and energy requirements. Participants said the current situation is a dilemma of growth confronting the shipping and port industry, nevertheless  aspirations for 2040 make it imperative for the industry to start acting today, especially considering the massive ecological impact of its activities.

Speakers at the conference highlighted the shift in global energy consumption and exports. Northern America and Europe are reducing refining capacities while it is increasing in the Middle East and Asia. From an LNG importer, the US is becoming an LNG exporter.

The growth patterns visible in the emerging economies signal massive energy requirements. As a result, infrastructure dynamics are changing across the world, which will have huge implications on the transportation systems as well as the environment strategies in the coming years.

Discussions at the Summit made it clear that while every port has a story about sustainability, there are a growing number of emerging challenges; including waste recycling, ballast water processing and the massive emphasis on fuel efficiency.