UASC announced its delight at having picked up three awards at the prestigious annual Seatrade Middle East & Indian Subcontinent Awards 2013 held in Dubai on November 18th. Known as the ˜Oscars' of the maritime world, 29 Awards were presented at a glittering 10th Anniversary gala dinner at the Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai attended by more than 800 of the who's who of the region's maritime and shipping industry. Recognizing UASC's elevation to the very top of the industry, the awards saw the company taking top honors in the categories of Ship Owner/ Operator Award, Deal of the Year Award and the Shipping Company of the Year Award.

To have won, not one, but three of the most sought-after categories in this industry-leading award ceremony is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole UASC team said Jorn Hinge, UASC President and CEO. We are executing a strategy to move UASC into the top echelons of our industry and this recognition by Seatrade makes us justifiably proud of our achievement.

UASC was also proud to sponsor the Container and Terminal Operator Award. This award recognizes the strategic value offered to customers served by Container and Terminal Operators and the depth of the partnership which exists between liner operators and Container and Terminal Operators said Hinge. DP World UAE Region is a deserving recipient of the award and continually sets new standards of professionalism and customer service to the industry Hinge said.

The competition for the annual Seatrade awards is fierce and the major players in the maritime industry jostle for position to be recognized as leaders in key categories. The ceremony was attended by industry leaders and customers, who come together annually to recognize best practice in the industry. UASC's three awards were earned, in the face of strong competition from leading companies in the maritime industry, both in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent regions.

In particular, UASC was recognized for the new build order recently placed with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Korea. The order, the largest in UASC's history and worth over US$ 2 billion, features vessels that will be amongst the largest, most technologically advanced and most environmentally-friendly container vessels ever built.

These awards are a clear recognition that the strategy adopted by our Board of Directors is delivering for UASC, our customers, and our industry said Hinge. We have repositioned UASC as a major force in the liner shipping business, and our planned growth and development will further strengthen our place as a premier global player.