A key event for a key region

Asia Pacific is becoming one of the most important regions in the shipping industry, not least because almost three quarters of the world?s shipbuilding activity and six of the top ports are based there. This in itself emphasis the importance of an exhibition such as Asia Pacific Maritime ? this year to be held at the Singapore Expo from 24 to 26 March ? for the marine engineering and ports and terminals sectors.

One of the key highlights at this year?s event is the Singapore International Maritime Centre (IMC) ?World of Ports?. This will see representatives from major ports and terminals worldwide gather to discuss port facilities, services and technologies, as well as promote the latest infrastructure development plans. APM “World of Ports” is expected to be an excellent platform for major ports to source customers, alliances and partners to make contacts with maritime buyers and visitors via a series of specially orchestrated fringe programs.

There will also be a ?Call For Collaboration? session that aims to capitalise on the pool of maritime industry players expected to converge on APM 2004

On the conference side, the two-day APM summit this year will include first day presentations on: The Future for the Shipping Industry by Professor Shou Ma, Vice President, World Maritime University; And a panel discussion on Free Trade Agreements by Mr. Paul Brown of the US Embassy. The second day will include presentations on: Maritime Terrorism in the Asia Pacific by Dr. Peter Chalk, Associate Political Scientist, RAND Corporation, USA: And a Maritime Security Update and talk on the “Implementation of ISPS Code for Singapore?s Port Facilities and Other Security Measures” from Capt. Henry Heng, Deputy Controller, Operational Plans, Port Master?s Department, Port Division, MPA.

Exhibiting at Asia Pacific maritime 2004 will be a host of manufacturers and suppliers of marine technology and services. On offer will be examples of: Engines, pumps, accessories and propulsion systems; Deck equipment and auxiliary machinery; Marine electrical and electronic systems; Shipping and ship management services; And naval technology and defence systems – to name but a few.

Visitors to the event will be able to see Richard Sherwood British Maritime Technology (BMT) Ltd.?s wide range of port and maritime simulation technology, as well as contributions from many of its diverse subsidiaries including BMT SeaTech, BMT Reliability Consulting and BMT Asia Pacific. BMT has now opened an office in Hanio through its subsidiary BMT Maritime Consultants, in response to the need for strategic port management advice in the region.

Internet-based remote communications company Pole Star will also be on hand to provide more information its SOLAS XI-2/6 compliant PurpleFinder

fleet tracking solution, which is already used by more than

300 major ship owner/manager/charting organizations

and National maritime Administrations, operating over 5,000 ships. The company will also showcase its portable-dimensioned DSAS SOLAS XI-2/6 compliant ship security alert system.

Other exhibitors include Goltens, Singapore, which will be promoting its new range of crankshaft repair tools, which are said to be capable of slashing large crankshaft repair time by 50% and enable in-situ repairs on new slow-speed two stroke engines.

The company will also provide information its new electrically controlled heat treatment equipment for in-situ work and its portable diesel doctor diagnostic engine service. Portable and fixed gas detector manufacturer Gas Measurement Instruments will also be at APM with its new V!SA instrument for monitoring flammable and toxic gas, as well as oxygen deficiency. This particular robust device has been specifically designed for use in confined spaces such as those on board ship.