The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) has announced the establishment of the "UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Center." As the first-of-its-kind Center in the MENA region and the fourth globally.

The centre is developed in collaboration with DNV marks a 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 official signing 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 center aims to drive research, innovation, and collaboration among key stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices, technologies, and policies in the maritime sector.

Suhail AlMazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy 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. 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.”

UAE Maritime Delegate and DNV

AlMazrouei added, "The establishment of the UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Center 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 Center will play a pivotal role in advancing our national and regional sustainability goals, while contributing to the global efforts in combating climate change."

The Center will serve as a hub for research, development, and implementation of innovative technologies and strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in the maritime industry. It will conduct joint-industry projects, incubator and accelerator programs, and future talent development initiatives.

Furthermore, it will provide access to funding opportunities, foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, and serve as a knowledge hub by publishing research and information.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with the UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure & Energy to establish the Maritime Decarbonisation Centre,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime. “Initiatives like the Centre are essential as we look to accelerate towards a decarbonised future. We need to build via cooperation, foster innovation, and scale local strengths into global leadership. With its strategic location and strong support from industry leaders, the Centre is poised to become a hub for maritime decarbonisation efforts.”

Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “At the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we seek to unify the maritime sector to build the UAE Maritime Cluster, and turn it into a powerhouse that enhances business growth opportunities and creates new capabilities for companies by bringing them together. Digital technologies are the best way to build this cluster, standardise information related to the maritime sector and develop innovative mechanisms to explore business opportunities that can benefit all stakeholders.”

Al Malek added, “This partnership is yet another step to promote innovation in the maritime sector, which has become an international incubator for quality ideas. At the current stage, we focus all our innovations on building a sustainable and environmentally-friendly maritime sector. The UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Center will serve as a vital hub for research, collaboration, and knowledge transfer in the field of maritime decarbonisation. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, we will focus on developing and implementing sustainable solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency in maritime operations. This Center aligns with our vision of positioning the UAE as a global leader in the sustainable maritime sector and driving the transition towards a greener future.