DUBAI, 14 May 2007 — The UAE Shipowners Association (UAESOA) was officially launched yesterday during a reception at Dubai International Financial City (DIFC).
The objective of the association is to promote the interests of shipowners based in and operating from the UAE, in addition to providing a common platform for interaction within the rest of the industry.
With new offices to be established in Dubai Maritime City, the association’s other key priority is to promote the establishment of professional standards and a code of conduct and ethical industry practices. Similar to other shipowners’ associations worldwide, the UAESOA will voice its professional opinion in the exchange of ideas between the industry and the national and international regulatory authorities.
It will also be affiliated to the International Chamber of Shipping.
Major General Sharafuddin Sharaf, vice chairman of Sharaf Group, and president of UAESOA, said “UAESOA has been established to provide a platform to support the interests of shipowners and the maritime industry of the UAE. We aim to bring the shipowners together with maritime suppliers, service providers and concerned members of the public, for the benefit of the wider maritime community. We welcome all the shipowners based in UAE to join the association.”
While representing the interests of UAE shipowners abroad, the association also aims to promote the UAE flag internationally by proposing suitable amendments to the relevant authorities and streamlining the procedures and associated legislation for the registration of ships under the UAE flag.
Associate membership is open to any company registered in the UAE that does not own a ship but is engaged in ship operating or ship management. Honorary membership is open to prominent members of society.