Energy supply issues debated at Saudi PMV conference

The first Saudi Cranes Conference ended with Khalid Al Salih, executive vice president, Saudi Aramco, thanking the delegates for two days filled with lively and stimulating debate.

Earlier in the conference, at which PMV Middle East was a media partner, Amer Al Sulaim, executive director, industrial services, Saudi Aramco stressed the need to certify cranes and operators in an efficient and speedy manner, stating "Any delays have an effect on our ability to supply energy to the world" adding that unscheduled downtime could easily have an effect on the stock market. He stressed the need for cooperation among regional experts, giving his email address so that delegates might send him suggestions or comments throughout the event.

Equipment ranging from small Bobcat skid-steer loaders with various attachments, right the way through to a mighty Grove 200-tonne mobile crane were displayed, with experts on hand from the region's major machinery suppliers to explain how they worked.

Presentations during the event ranged in content from the role of operational safety, to the role of electronic systems on machines. Several vigorous panel sessions on the roles of machines, people and safety were also held.

At the close of the conference, Kimon Alexandrou, events director, ITP remarked "It has been a roller-coaster, but our first ever conference in the Kingdom was a great success."

He added "This year we had more than 250 delegates. We look forward to welcoming them all back next March, when the Cranes and PMV show returns to Saudi Arabia, bigger and better than ever."