UAE discusses future autonomous shipping

/ Technology & Smart Cities / Monday, 28 February 2022 05:58

The ministry of energy and infrastructure (MoEI) organised a virtual forum titled ‘The Future of Autonomous Vessels in Maritime Shipping’ as part of its activities during the Innovation Month, held under the theme ‘UAE Innovates 2022’.

 Representatives from various sectors of the regional and global maritime industry such as A-Navigation, have tackled developing autonomous vessel technologies worldwide.

Speakers discussed the need to empower maritime operations and ensure efficient port management with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new technologies. They also highlighted the advantages of autonomous vessels from the operations, environment and safety perspectives, the added value of such ships to the industry as well as the accompanying challenges, especially in light of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the shipping sector. Participants also underlined the importance of strategic partnerships in developing autonomous vessel technologies and automating marine operations to benefit the shipping sector worldwide.

H.E. Eng. Hassan Mohammed Juma Al-Mansoori, under-secretary for infrastructure and transport affairs, MoEI said, “At the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, we promote the UAE leadership’s objective of adopting digital solutions and keeping pace with the latest global developments, especially in the maritime sector. These efforts have contributed to enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness in the sector. The country ranks 3rd globally in transport services trade and the Bunker Supply Index. Our ports are among the top 10 internationally, in terms of container handling capacity. We were pleased with the participation seen in this forum that discussed the latest developments and key challenges in autonomous and remote-controlled ship technologies, and their role in ensuring uninterrupted supply of vital goods, especially during global crises. The Ministry seeks to cooperate with the relevant bodies and organisations to develop legislation and laws that regulate the design, construction and operation of such vessels, while also ensuring their suitability for the marine environment.”

The UAE has over 20 leading international seaports and some of the largest oil export ports in the world. It is the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the developer of Maqta Gateway, the UAE’s first digital port community powered by blockchain. The country is also home to DP World, the leading enabler of smart trade, which has launched several innovative platforms and products that have reshaped the international supply chain.

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