The Fujairah government hopes to make the emirate a world class bunkering centre following expectations of a significant growth in trade, particularly in oil and gas, director of the Fujairah Ruler's Office Mohamed Saeed Al Kindi has said.

Middle East exports of crude oil and gas were expected to rise from 11 million bpd now to 21 million bpd by 2010, necessitating the provision of major bunkering facilities in the region, the official added. He said the government would provide an attractive environment for investment in facilities for bunkering and lifting of fuels.

Issues related to Fujairah's role in meeting the Middle East's requirements will be discussed at Fujicon (First International Fujairah Bunkering and Fuel Oil Forum) 2000 to be held from November 6 to 8. The conference, to be held under Fujairah government auspices, is being organised by the Conference Connection Group with the support of the UK-based International Bunker Industry Association and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko).

The conference will address key developments re-shaping the Middle East fuel oil/bunkering markets and establishing Fujairah into a major global fuelling destination, East of Suez. It will explore Fujairah's position in the global bunkering and fuel oil market in terms of capacity and volumes, its offshore anchorage areas, patterns of fuel oil trading from the US, European and Middle Eastern perspectives, clean product specification for refineries, quality custody transfer and environmental and safety issues.