Renowned national industry players come together to navigate future opportunities
The Emirates Shipping Association (ESA) strengthened the UAE’s status as a prominent global maritime hub through the successful hosting of the recent ‘Maritime Future Dialogues’ event.
As a significant part of the UAE Maritime Week, the event attracted influential industry players, stakeholders, and experts. This gathering facilitated connections, idea exchange, and the formation of valuable partnerships.
ESA aims to establish the UAE as a prominent global maritime hub. Hence, the maritime dialogue included impactful panel discussions which addressed key priorities, including advocating for the UAE registry as a Flag State and reinforcing decarbonization efforts in the shipping industry.
Industry leaders, regulators, and experts convened to explore strategies for reinforcing the sector’s world-class status under the upcoming UAE Maritime Law. Additionally, insights from the COP28 team and the International Chamber of Shipping were shared, highlighting opportunities within COP28.
Driving an integrated maritime business community
One of the highlights of the event was the signing of an MoU between ESA and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOI UAE) to further enhance the capabilities of the ‘Blue Pass’ initiative through collaboration and mutual support.
The platform was launched by the Ministry in partnership with Marihub to strengthen the national maritime sector by creating a digital cluster of local and international maritime authorities and associations, such as the ESA, to facilitate the exchange of services, and attract foreign investors.
“Through productive discussions and collaborative efforts, we aim to foster innovation, drive sustainable growth, and establish valuable partnerships within the maritime sector,” commented Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Chairman, Emirates Shipping Association.
Blue Pass project
“The Blue Pass project aims to establish an integrated maritime business community, where everyone can easily provide services and fulfil their requirements through a unified digital portal. The project goes beyond providing a platform for maritime services and supplies, as it also unifies the common needs of companies and ships operating in the sector,” remarked HE Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor, Minister for Maritime Transport and Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
“The shipping industry has been a key enabler of the UAE’s economic growth over the years. Which is why, we at ESA have always been committed to catalysing the progress and development of the sector and enhancing its capabilities in various aspects,” noted Anders Østergaard, Secretary General of Emirates Shipping Association, and Group CEO, Monjasa.
