Dubai: The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), which oversees all aspects of the maritime sector in Dubai, has issued a new Directive on Transparency of Local Sea Container Charges. The Directive, which comes into effect on May 1, 2023, requires all Service Providers to declare their local sea container charges to the DMA via the Dubai Trade Single Window Portal.
The move is in line with Law No. 3 of 2023 on Dubai Maritime Authority, which mandates the DMA to introduce new regulations that strengthen the sector and adopt global standards.
The maritime sector plays a significant role in enhancing Dubai’s business and economic value proposition. The DMA is committed to taking proactive measures to enhance the sector’s contribution to the emirate’s economy. The newly introduced Directive is based on a thorough study we conducted as part of efforts to consolidate Dubai’s status as a global maritime hub, enhance the transparency and cost-visibility of local sea container charges, and ultimately boost the sector’s investment attractiveness.
Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime Authority, shared.
The DMA developed the Directive in response to feedback from its Partnership Programme, a stakeholder engagement initiative designed to help the Authority understand the needs of service providers and Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) in the sector.
The Directive applies to all Service Providers, including existing providers licensed by a licensing authority in Dubai, and new providers who become licensed on or after the effective date. Service Providers must submit details of their sea container charges to the DMA pursuant to Article 5(2) of the Directive.
The DMA’s efforts to enhance transparency and agility and raise ease of doing business are part of its broader goal to make Dubai more attractive as a maritime hub. The Directive is based on a study conducted by the DMA to determine international best practices and is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to adopt global standards and regulations that strengthen the sector. Furthermore, the DMA will use the data collected through the Directive to gain a better understanding of local sea container charges and associated practices.