SINGAPORE is gearing up to host 14,000 participants from 60 countries from April 21 - 23 during Sea Asia 2015 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre as part of Singapore Maritime Week.
Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) chairman Michael Chia said this year's Sea Asia is a time to recognise Singapore's position as an international maritime centre and highlight the role the industry has played in the country's growth.
"2015 is a big year with Singapore celebrating its 50 the anniversary - a key milestone and opportunity to reflect on the sectors which have helped Singapore become what it is today," he said.
"The maritime industry - which employs some 170,000 people in Singapore and contributes around seven per cent of Singapore's GDP - has played a key role in driving Singapore's development and this trend is set to continue," Mr Chia said.
Singapore's container throughput for 2014 achieved another record of 33.9 million TEU, growing by four per cent from 2013. Vessel arrival tonnage also rose by 1.9 per cent last year to 2.37 billion gross tonnes and Singapore continues to be the world's top bunkering port with 42.4 million tonnes sold in 2014.
"Singapore continues to cement its position as an international maritime centre and the increasing prominence of Sea Asia in the global maritime calendar demonstrates the country's importance in addressing the sector's challenges and opportunities," said Mr Chia.
Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman said the new realities facing the industry such as falling oil prices, an unstable Eurozone and the emergence of new cargo generators such as Africa will be discussed in depth at Sea Asia 2015.
"These developments provide opportunities and challenges for the sector. Falling oil prices, for example, provide real opportunities for the shipping industry to reduce operating costs while creating challenges for the oil and gas industry," he said.
"We look forward to welcoming maritime leaders from around the globe to discuss pertinent maritime issues, growth opportunities in Asia and share thoughts on how to work with the different industry sectors to navigate the challenges we are all facing," he said.
Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a private sector-led organisation that seeks to develop and promote Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC). SMF is directed by its board, which comprises prominent leaders in the Singapore maritime community. For details, visit www.smf.com.sg