Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the Gulf Cooperation’s Council’s leading breakbulk and project cargo event, opened with insightful sessions and participation from regional and global industry leaders, shedding light on themes that included recovery strategies to tackle current challenges and the market outlook of the sector.

Day One witnessed a 35 per cent increase in visitors. The event, taking place at the World Trade Centre, concludes tomorrow.

The significant participation from the industry reflects its keenness to be part of a well-knit network that has fuelled the sector’s growth in recent years. With the BBME returning as a physical event in 2022 after the digital special last year, it features a topical agenda to reinforce the event’s ability to foster consistent growth and unite critical players to bolster the economy.
Kicking off day one with his virtual opening remarks, Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, "The supply chain and maritime segment has been deeply impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UAE we directed our efforts towards overcoming any challenges that came our way and catered to the market needs. We had our ports open during the pandemic to ensure the seamless movement of essential items. We were also one of the first IMO Member States to designate seafarers as key workers and supported them by facilitating crew change, administering vaccinations, and providing them access to medical care.
Al Mazrouei added, "Our commitment has been demonstrated through our global competitiveness ranking in several aspects. The country was ranked third in transport services trade and Bunker Supply Index. The country’s ports rank among the top ten internationally in container handling volume of. Our association with the BBME is part of our vision to make the UAE a global hub for logistics and shipping. The BBME will facilitate strategies that will help enhance the sector and take it to greater heights."
The opening session on "Managing Rates and Capacity: Outlook, Key Drivers and Remaining Competitive" brought some pressing concerns to light. Top experts gathered to discuss the outlook and impact of the current freight rates on business and the supply chain.