UAE has helped develop new standards to prevent fraudulent ship registrations
Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of FTA (Federal Transport Authority)-Land and Maritime, recently underscored the four key areas in the maritime sector that are expected to bring new challenges to the global maritime community.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recently concluded 31st General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, HE Al Nuaimi cited cybersecurity, port development and modernization, the seafaring profession, and collective maritime capacity building as the fundamentals that will help shape the future of the industry
On cybersecurity, HE Al Nuaimi pointed out that building a safe and secure digital infrastructure is crucial to the future of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), which rely heavily on the integrity of information and communications technology (ICT) systems and data confidentiality.
According to the Minister, a strategic plan by IMO will help identify the needed improvements and steps to reduce cybersecurity risks and, consequently, avoid a global disruption to the global supply chain and international trade.
The seafaring profession is facing two current and future challenges. The Minister pointed out the shortage of skilled seafarers worldwide and the critical skills upgrade in line with the rising digitalization in the maritime industry, which accounts for 90% of the total world trade.
He affirmed said that the international maritime community should collaborate to promote the sector’s global competitiveness, build a sustainable maritime shipping segment, and optimize the use of energy resources, while ensuring environmental sustainability.
