Houston: ABS chairman and ceo Robert d Somerville met recently with Qatar's Energy Minister and pledged the US classification society's support to helping build a Qatari maritime infrastructure that would be able to repair, and eventually build, vessels up to and including LNG carriers.
Abdulla Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Second Deputy Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, was visiting the US for high-level energy talks. He met with Somerville to formally receive an annual scholarship award that ABS is presenting to the country as part of a comprehensive programme to support Qatar's maritime ambitions.
The scholarship is intended to assist selected Qatari citizens who want to undergo academic and practical training in maritime-related disciplines. Recipients will also be offered internships with ABS during their period of study as an integral element of the award.
ABS points out that its other initiatives include a separate technical training programme for Qatar Gas personnel in LNG carrier design, construction, maintenance and in-service surveyors.
'There is no doubt that Qatar will rapidly expand its maritime industry and its maritime influence within the Middle East region,' said Somerville. 'ABS is pleased to be able to enter into this long term relationship with the State to assist the future maritime leaders of Qatar to gain the needed training and experience.'
ABS has been classing Qatari flag vessels for more than 30 years and currently enjoys a 34% market share of all vessels and offshore units operated by Qatari owners, and 90% of all the mobile offshore exploration units currently operating in Qatari waters. In recognition of the country's growing maritime importance the classification society moved its regional administrative headquarters to Doha in late 2004, and now oversees operations in 19 countries from there. [25/07/06]
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