In a groundbreaking move that solidifies the UAE’s status as a global leader in sustainability and energy transition, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) has announced the establishment of the ‘UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre.‘
As the first-of-its-kind Centre in the MENA region and the fourth globally, according to a report by the UAE’s news agency WAM.
This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with DNV marks a historic milestone not only for the UAE but also for the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and sets a new standard for maritime decarbonisation efforts worldwide, the WAM report.
The official signing ceremony to commemorate this historic partnership took place at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters in London, UK.
The signing brought together high-level government officials, industry leaders, and international stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion.
By leveraging the expertise of DNV and harnessing the UAE’s strategic geographic location and maritime influence, the Centre aims to drive research, innovation, and collaboration among key stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices, technologies, and policies in the maritime sector.
Commenting on this partnership, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The UAE leads numerous global competitiveness indicators in the maritime sector. It ranks 3rd globally in the Bunker Supply Index, 5th as a key competitive maritime hub and 12th in the transport lines index.”
He said this is a result of the competitive business environment the UAE provides, which attracts major international maritime companies and makes the country’s ports a preferred destination for international shipping lines.
“However, we will not rest on our laurels; we want to occupy the top position in all international maritime indicators. We look forward to innovations and digital platforms to contribute to enhancing the UAE’s position and improving its global ranking, ”Al Mazrouei said.
Al Mazrouei added, “The establishment of the UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices within the maritime industry. By collaborating with DNV, we aim to leverage their expertise and global network to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of decarbonisation technologies. This Centre will play a pivotal role in advancing our national and regional sustainability goals, while contributing to the global efforts in combating climate change.”