The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) was recognized as ‘Sustainability Leader in Shipping’ and as a ‘Decarbonization Champion in Power Sector’ during the recently held Decarbonization and Climate Action Awards (DACA Awards).
The MoEI got the award for its exemplary contribution for preserving the marine environment, enabling the sustainable development of the local and regional vital sectors and achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals.
This achievement consolidates the ministry’s role in ensuring the progress of the UAE’s maritime sector. It also affirms their efforts in realizing the full potential of innovative solutions and new technologies to ensure sustainable industry operations.
In recent years the ministry has been at the forefront of enabling the UAE’s energy transition with several initiatives helping industry stakeholders adopt sustainable practices.
In order to accelerate low-carbon hydrogen deployment, the ministry announced its support to the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition, the first global forum that brings industry professionals, port operators, decision-makers and government officials on a common platform to discuss the adoption of hydrogen technologies and fuels.
This was in line with the MoEI’s Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, a comprehensive national blueprint to support the UAE’s net-zero ambition and establish the country as a competitive exporter of hydrogen.
Yousef Al Ali, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector, MoEI, said, “Over the years our primary objective has been to promote the maritime sector in the nation through top-notch innovative solutions while keeping sustainability as our priority.”
He said, “The UAE has plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and the onus is on us to ensure that we take the right steps to attain this target. In addition to being ranked third globally in Bunker Supply Index as well as Transport Services Trade, and fifth as a Key Maritime Hub worldwide, our aim is to cement ourselves as leaders in sustainable practices in the maritime industry.”
He added, “Our initiatives for sustainable development have gone far beyond steps to produce and adopt lower-emission fuels and this award is a testament to our efforts.”
Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, MoEI, said, “Last year we launched the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to improve the quality of life of our seafarers.”
She said, “The initiative aims to protect our seafarers’ rights with ship owners and operating companies, as well as help them overcome the challenges they faced as a result of the pandemic and its resulting travel restrictions. We have invested a lot of efforts into protecting the UAE’s waters and marine environment and reducing marine wrecks that may cause incidents.”
Al Malek said, “Another initiative we have launched is the ‘Sail Safely’ initiative, aimed at protecting the marine environment, enhancing maritime safety and security, as well as protecting people’s lives.”
She said, “The initiative includes an intensive training program for captains of leisure and fishing boats to ensure that they adhere to the highest standards of operation in the sector, avoiding maritime accidents and protecting people’s lives.”
During the 2021 IMO elections, the UAE was re-elected to the Executive Council of the IMO under Category B for the third time in a row, receiving the highest number of votes within the category.
As part of the Executive Council, the UAE plays an active role in developing strategies, policies and agreements that enhance maritime safety standards, protects the marine environment and enhances the efficiency of the sector across the globe.
During the 109th session of the IMO’s Legal Committee meetings, the UAE suggested several changes to the organization’s legal system in order to develop the global maritime industry and promote its competitiveness.
All these suggestions were accepted by the IMO and will be implemented at the earliest.