The new Maritime Security and Surveillance conference will address a variety of issues focusing on developing strategies to maximise coastal security, combatting piracy and other crimes at sea, enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and improving harbor and port security by driving multilateral cooperation and capacity building based procurement. To be held at the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the conference will take place from 29 – 31 January 2011.

According to Dryad Maritime Intelligence, an estimated US$150 million was paid in ransoms for ships, cargoes and crews to pirate gangs in 2010 and a record of 1,181 seafarers were kidnapped. Joanna Edwards, Portfolio Director of Clarion Events Middle East, said: “The Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) is taking threats seriously and has invested significantly in defense and security. In 2010, Forecast International estimated that US$68.3 billion was invested by the GCC in defense and security technologies. The same report predicts this investment will grow to US$82.5 billion by 2015. The Maritime Security and Surveillance conference will provide a platform to network and showcase the latest technologies to combat maritime threats.”

Topics of discussion at the conference include: current and emerging threats and risks to the Gulf region; collaboration and cooperation to strengthen maritime security operations in the GCC; the impact of climate change and environmental changes on maritime security in the region; protecting vital economic, transport and distribution chains; defending coastal installations and offshore oil and gas facilities; regional approaches to anti-piracy operations and future priorities for improving maritime security in the region.

Attendees to Maritime Security and Surveillance will include representatives from Navies, Port Authorities, Critical National Infrastructure Authorities, Customs/Border Security Agencies, Research Organizations, Shipping Companies, Coastguard, Defense and Security Contractors, Consultancies and more. [www.clarioneventsmiddleeast.com] [www.gulfmaritimesec.com]