The United Arab Emirates opened the World Maritime Day Parallel Event with a powerful call for global cooperation on ocean sustainability, drawing top maritime leaders, international experts, and academics to address pressing challenges facing the sector.
The first day featured three panel sessions tackling ocean health, decarbonisation, and marine plastic waste. Speakers stressed that protecting oceans is no longer optional but a shared responsibility tied directly to economic growth, environmental stability, and human prosperity.
International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, Abu Dhabi Maritime CEO Captain Saif Al Mheiri, and other leaders underscored the role of the blue economy, spanning fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy, as a driver of sustainable growth. They also highlighted the importance of education, youth engagement, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digitalization in shaping the industry’s future.
A second panel explored the maritime sector’s role in achieving net-zero emissions. Experts examined alternative fuels including hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, alongside green shipping corridors and digital solutions to cut carbon output. They warned of the mounting risks ports face from rising sea levels and extreme weather, calling for stronger international collaboration and regulatory frameworks.
The day concluded with a session on tackling marine plastic pollution. Panellists showcased innovations in onboard waste management and called for stricter enforcement of international waste disposal standards. They urged supply chains to adopt extended producer responsibility, reduce plastics in packaging, and strengthen crew training as frontline defense against pollution.
Speakers praised the UAE for positioning itself as a hub for global maritime dialogue, driving forward strategies to protect oceans while enabling sustainable growth for the sector worldwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
