Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Launches UAE Maritime Cluster
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the UAE Maritime Cluster to be an umbrella for the local and federal government and private organisations in the maritime sector.
The move aims to promote the UAE’s maritime sector globally. It also supports the Ministry’s role in building alternative economic components to the oil sector, supporting its strategy to be a key contributor to the ‘Projects of the 50’ initiatives.
The cluster brings together organisations and individuals in the sector and unites the capabilities of the UAE maritime sector to build a unified force that enhances the UAE’s position globally, as one of the top five global maritime hubs.
To launch the Cluster, the Ministry will build a communication network consisting of the various entities in the maritime sector. This will act as a platform for launching various activities and events that the UAE Maritime Cluster will implement.
The Cluster will feature a portal with a centralised database of entities within the maritime sector as well as a network of maritime organisations and professionals in the UAE.
It will also organise events, conferences and panel discussions to bring together the government and private sectors to discuss ideas, advance the maritime sector and help formulate the maritime strategy for the next 50 years.
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A central think tank will be launched to explore investment opportunities and innovative maritime projects as a result of unifying the efforts and ideas of maritime organisations in the UAE.
Cooperation will also be strengthened between students from maritime academies, facilitating connect with experts and professionals in the UAE.
This will contribute to the Emiratisation of leadership positions in the maritime sector.
The UAE Maritime Cluster will also include a business incubator to support young entrepreneurs. Several accelerators will also stimulate the generation of innovative ideas and turn them into strategic maritime projects.
H.E. Eng. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE, said: “The UAE is a unique success story in government excellence. Building on the model of the UAE Union, we will unify the UAE maritime sector by launching the UAE Maritime Cluster, which will be a platform that integrates the capabilities of the various entities and organisations, whether federal, local or from the private sector.
“This cluster is one of our key initiatives that will contribute to our preparations for the next 50 years, ensuring the growth of the maritime sector that significantly contributes to the UAE’s GDP.
"Currently, the sector is estimated at around AED 91 billion annually. We look forward to doubling this figure within a few years by building bridges to integrate the various organisations and stakeholders involved.”
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Al Mazrouei added that announcing the first set of Projects of the 50 gives the maritime sector a great boost, as it opens up many opportunities for it to expand, grow and attract more investments.
The maritime industry plays a key role in developing and increasing the UAE’s exports. It also empowers and supports the industrial sector and the UAE’s role in international trade through several major investment arms.
These include developing ports and operating terminals in more than 70 countries around the world as well as managing ships and maritime fleets. The UAE’s fleet ranks 21st globally in terms of tonnage capacity.
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H.E. Eng. Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, "The time has never been better to launch this mega project, especially after the restructure in government organisations and ministries by the wise leadership to increase efficiency, and unify capabilities based on their specialisations and strategic objectives."
H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “Launching the UAE Maritime Cluster is an indispensable step as we prepare the UAE’s candidacy for its Category-B membership at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the third time.
"It would be very useful to have an overall comprehensive national platform that brings together all the influential players in the maritime sector.”
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