Dubai: UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI)’s outstanding efforts to preserve the marine environment, enabling the sustainable development of the local and regional vital sectors and achieving the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s decarbonization goals were recently recognized at the Decarbonization and Climate Action Awards (DACA Awards).
The Ministry was honored with “Sustainability Leader in Shipping” and “Decarbonization Champion in Power Sector” awards at the ceremony.
The global acknowledgment consolidates the Ministry’s active role in ensuring the progress of the UAE’s maritime sector. The achievement also affirms MoEI’s efforts in realizing the full potential of innovative solutions and new technologies to ensure sustainable industry operations.
Over the last several 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 declared its support to the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition, the 1st 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.
The move was in line with the Ministry’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.
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. The UAE has planned to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and the onus is on us to ensure that we take the right steps towards achieving this target.
Mr. Yousef Al Ali, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector, MOEI, observed.
The MoEI Official elaborated that, “In addition to being ranked 3rd globally in Bunker Supply Index as well as Transport Services Trade, and 5th as a Key Maritime Hub worldwide, our aim is to cement ourselves as leaders in sustainable practices in the maritime industry. 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.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, MOEI, commented, “Last year, we launched the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to improve the quality of life of our seafarers. 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. Additionally, in line with Cabinet resolution number (71) for 2021, regarding marine wrecks and violating ships in UAE waters or calling UAE ports, we have invested a lot of efforts into protecting the UAE’s waters and marine environment, and reducing marine wrecks that may cause incidents.”
“Another groundbreaking 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. 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,” Ms. Al Malek further added.