Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
From AI-powered autonomous water taxis to solar-powered boats, the UAE capital Abu Dhabi is leading the charge towards a more connected, eco-friendly maritime future.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Acting Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, outlined the ambitious steps being taken to protect marine ecosystems, enhance water transportation, and foster sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi's Maritime Ascent
The UAE capital’s transformative journey in water transportation and environmental sustainability has seen it climb to 22nd place in the 2024 Leading Maritime City (LMC) Report, a leap of 10 spots from 2022.
Captain Al Mheiri noted that this remarkable progress is largely attributed to the dedicated efforts of Abu Dhabi Maritime and its strategic initiatives. Established in 2020 through a collaboration between AD Ports Group and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Maritime has played a crucial role in managing and developing the emirate’s maritime domain.
“AD Ports Group has invested heavily across a number of areas which fall under the ranking criteria,” Captain Al Mheiri explained. “Bolstering commercial and leisure maritime infrastructure, enhancing digital capabilities, and augmenting the maritime regulatory framework have all contributed significantly to this outcome, as have initiatives such as the launch of Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi, the expansion of public water transportation networks, and sustainability projects.”
Enhancing Connectivity: The Future of Water Transportation
Captain Al Mheiri noted that Abu Dhabi Maritime is constantly looking for ways to improve waterway connectivity within Abu Dhabi, with several current water taxi and ferry routes planned for expansion in the future.
“Further development plans for water transportation infrastructure will improve accessibility, encourage travel, and elevate Abu Dhabi's standing as a premier maritime destination.”
New public water transportation services will be rolled out over three phases, according to Captain Al Mheiri. These include the implementation of strategic routes to provide connections between high-demand destinations, the expansion of the route network to offer additional connections to high-demand areas, and the launch of routes to connect to future developments.
“Additionally, we have completed a Proof of Concept and are testing the use of AI and robotics for passenger-carrying autonomous water transportation on our inland waterways. And by employing electrified (solar-powered) boats, we hope to lessen carbon emissions, and enhance operational efficiency and maritime safety,” he noted.
Marina Developments
Last fall, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, officially inaugurated Sila Community Harbour and Al Fayiyi Island Marina in Al Dhafra Region as part of a series of marina developments by the Department of Municipalities and Transport executed by Abu Dhabi Maritime.
“The Al Dhafra master development plan, implemented under the supervision of His Highness, aims to strengthen the local maritime community by creating employment opportunities and preserving local heritage and culture,” Captain Al Mheiri said.
“Expanding and improving the facilities we currently have, while also evaluating potential new resources are among our primary goals for improving Abu Dhabi's maritime infrastructure. We are actively working to support development to better serve the maritime community,” he added.
Tackling Ocean Pollution
As a sustainable maritime city, Abu Dhabi Maritime has implemented robust measures to safeguard its waters.
“On a regular basis, our team removes any debris or obstructions within our waters to preserve marine ecosystems and maintain clean and safe waterways. Between April and June 2024, we successfully removed 145 tonnes of debris and wrecks from 25 locations across Abu Dhabi,” Captain Al Mheiri said.
Abu Dhabi Maritime is also investing in ways to promote maritime innovation and sustainable growth, he added. An example of this includes the recent establishment of the Maritime Sustainability Research Centre, a collaboration between Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, dedicated to advancing research, particularly in environmental sustainability.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi Maritime signed a memorandum of understanding with Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) to promote environmental conservation in Abu Dhabi's waterways.
“Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will explore opportunities related to environmental protection and waterway sustainability, which will also support in maintaining compliance with local and international safety regulations,” Captain Al Mheiri said.
To further support the maritime sector’ sustainability journey, Abu Dhabi Maritime has collaborated with Abu Dhabi Mobility to create an environmental, social and governance (ESG) handbook, according to Captain Al Mheiri.
He explained that this aims to provide guidance on embedding sustainability into maritime operations and allow companies operating in the Abu Dhabi maritime sector to report their ESG targets and KPIs, as part of an initiative to promote a sustainability culture in the sector.
Balancing Development with Environmental Stewardship
Captain Al Mheiri stressed that Abu Dhabi Maritime works closely with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Environment and Sustainability Department team within AD Ports Group to ensure its facilities are built in a sustainable manner, ensuring that marine habitats are protected while advancing maritime infrastructure.
“When we found that development plans for the Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal would potentially disturb the surrounding marine habitat, for instance, we commissioned and installed innovative structures to minimise ecological disruption,” he noted.
“Specialised concrete mattresses on the seabed and 3D-printed panels on quay walls mimic the surrounding environment, attract marine life and encourage its settlement and growth.”
Celebrating Excellence: The 2024 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards
The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards are set to return for their second edition (Marinas Edition), recognising excellence among marina operators across various categories. Due to the “tremendous” interest from prospective applicants, the deadline for submissions has been extended to September 17, 2024, according to Captain Al Mheiri.
This year’s edition features six key areas: “Sustainability”, “Employer Excellence”, “Health and Safety”, “Customer Experience”, “Innovation”, and “Outstanding Marina”.
The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards play a crucial role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading global maritime hub. By evaluating entries with the help of a panel of eminent industry experts, the awards honour facilities and operators that have made noteworthy advancements in the maritime sector.
Captain Al Mheiri said: “These accolades, which are further proof of Abu Dhabi Maritime's future-focused business strategy, highlight its dedication to promoting innovation, sustainability, and best practices in the maritime sector. These awards raise the bar for excellence, not just in Abu Dhabi, but across the MENAT region, laying the groundwork for a thriving and sustainable maritime community.”
