UAE ready to compete for IMO Category B membership

Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime, expressed his confidence in the efficient and vital role that the UAE can play as a member of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, while highlighting the country’s readiness to participate in the organisation’s upcoming meeting in London to elect its new members.

He made this statement as he led a coordination meeting to review the country’s final preparations for acquiring Category B membership to the organisation while highlighting its importance, as the membership will support the UAE’s position in the international maritime sector, and will enable it to become a key player in foreseeing the future of marine trade.

Dr. Al Nuaimi added that attaining this membership will be competitive, as it will involve leading countries in the maritime field, adding that the UAE aims to thoroughly prepare the country’s nomination file, before presenting it at the IMO’s next meeting.

He went on to say that with regards to infrastructure, it is highly essential that the file must reflect the UAE’s leadership in the international maritime sector, as it is home to 20 key international ports while highlighting the UAE’s prominent global position and reputation in the area of maritime trade. The country occupies the first place, both regionally and in the Arab world, and sixth internationally concerning the quality of its maritime ports infrastructure in the relevant competitiveness index for 2014-2015, Dr. Al Nuaimi continued.

The Minister highlighted the UAE’s ongoing desire to improve the efficiency of its maritime systems and keep pace with the latest innovations in the maritime industry, especially with regards to eco-friendly ports and e-maritime trade. The UAE also aims to adopt the best international maritime practices, transform its ports into logistical centres and upgrade them to receive the next generation of self-driven ships, as well as to use satellites to manage the movement of fleets and develop the local maritime system, he said.

Participants of the coordination meeting also discussed the latest developments in the UAE’s nomination file and approved a planned visit to London between 27th November and 1st December 2017. They also approved the delegation’s accompanying team and discussed post-election plans.