UAE’s IMO membership win a boost for maritime sector

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has marked another remarkable global achievement as it has once again won Category B Membership into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council--besting the competition that was composed of 11 leading countries in the field of international maritime trade, including Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, France and Australia.

The UAE was declared the winner of the elections conducted during the 31st General Assembly Meeting, which was held in London. The win affirms the UAE’s qualifications to play a pivotal and influential role in the global efforts to promote the international maritime system and drive in more growth for global maritime trade.

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of FTA - Land and Maritime, shared that the victory is a reflection of its efforts to promote the UAE’s role in the global maritime industry--an achievement that should be added to its long line of successes. The win represents a forward push in the UAE’s move to create and implement international laws and regulations aimed at developing world transport and trade activity.

He extended his congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces praising their continued support to enhance the country’s position across all levels and fields, especially the maritime sector, which plays an important role in the economic development of the UAE.

Al Nuaimi lauded the global achievement as an affirmation of the UAE’s leading position as a global maritime center and an influential force in the global maritime industry.

The UAE Minister explained that the country’s winning Category B Membership of the IMO Council is not seen as a move that is ‘not coming out of a vacuum’ as the UAE has advanced capabilities and competitive advantages that has made it worthy of this victory.

He also praised and thanked the friendly countries that supported the UAE’s candidacy, including the hard work and efforts exerted by the UAE support team. He also extended his thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ports, Local Maritime Authorities and concerned teams for their tireless efforts and valuable contributions that played an important role in achieving this victory.

“The UAE will continue to play an important role in the unified move to promote the global maritime sector and develop world trade and the international economy. The country will also expand its scope of projects to develop and expand local ports with total investments of approximately Dhs157 billion in the next few years, with a focus on transferring its leading experience in managing and operating 77 ports worldwide, including vital ports in the USA and Europe,” concluded Al Nuaimi.

Earlier, The Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to strengthen their technical cooperation in the global maritime domain.

The MoU signing was held on the sidelines of IMO’s 31st General Assembly Meeting in London.

The latest MoU is part of FTA’s efforts to help reinforce the international maritime community and create a safe and sustainable global maritime society. Part of the Authority’s endeavors include close collaboration with various concerned maritime entities and implementation of the highest standards, conventions, and protocols.

Under the MoU, the FTA will leverage the IMO’s expertise as a specialised agency of the United Nations to help boost the local maritime community. The IMO is responsible for setting global safety and security standards, facilitating international maritime transport, and preventing pollution caused by ships, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the FTA, reaffirmed UAE’s commitment to promoting the maritime sector via key port development projects, maritime training and education, and capacity building. The country has also made contributions to the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Program Fund for the benefit of all IMO member states.

Al Nuaimi added: “Since joining the IMO, the UAE has been actively contributing to the international maritime sector as well as coordinating with concerned entities and other IMO member states to achieve a safe and sustainable maritime society. The country is also keen to uphold all relevant international conventions, protocols, and agreements, including the recently signed MoU. This agreement further adds value to the UAE’s initiatives to provide support to the global maritime sector and help reinforce the international maritime system.