Saudi Maritime Congress, a top maritime and logistics event, which was scheduled to be held from March 22 to 23 in Dammam, has been postponed to September 20 to 21, in the wake of certain international travel restrictions due to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

"Over the last few weeks, we have been in consultation with many of our clients and also our Founding Strategic Partners about the event, in light of certain international travel restrictions due to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). Following this consultation, and in order to support all our customers and ensure the best possible event, we have agreed to move Saudi Maritime Congress to 20 -21 September 2020 at Dharan Expo, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Informa Markets, said in a statement.

The safety of our exhibitors, visitors and speakers is our utmost priority and we will continue to closely monitor the advice of the Saudi Ministry of Health as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), it added.

"We are proud of the role the Saudi Maritime Congress plays in generating business and supporting the growth of the local and global maritime sector, and we look forward to a successful event in September," Informa said.

Saudi Maritime Congress 2020, to be held in partnership with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Bahri, was set to welcome some of the leading international and local officials in the transport and logistics sector.

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was scheduled to deliver the keynote ministerial opening address on Day One (March 22) of the Congress, followed by the keynote address from Lawrence Barchue, assistant secretary-general and director, Department for Member State Audit and Implementation Support, International Maritime Organization (IMO), according to Seatrade Maritime, organisers of Saudi Maritime Congress 2020.

Chris Hayman, chairman of Seatrade, said: “Saudi Maritime Congress 2020 is intended to update the local and international maritime community with the leading developments and the hottest topics of concern within the Saudi maritime and logistics sector as the country continues to move ahead with the implementation of its goals under Saudi Vision 2030. We are proud to host high-profile local and international speakers who can shed light on the major questions facing the industry.”