World Maritime Day Parallel Event 2025 Highlights Global Dialogue On Ocean Sustainability And Innovation

The World Maritime Day Parallel Event in the UAE began with significant participation from maritime industry leaders, international experts, and academics. The event's first day featured three panel discussions addressing regional and global maritime challenges. These discussions focused on ocean health, economic potential, and environmental stewardship, highlighting the interconnectedness of these elements.

During the opening session, panellists like Arsenio Dominguez from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Captain Saif Al Mheiri from Abu Dhabi Maritime stressed that ocean protection is a shared duty. They noted that investing in the blue economy is crucial for sustainable growth through sectors like fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy.

The session also explored how maritime education and youth engagement can foster an environmentally conscious generation capable of driving innovation. Strengthening international communication channels was deemed essential for understanding challenges and establishing fair regulatory frameworks.

The role of emerging technologies such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence was discussed as transformative for the maritime sector. Participants reviewed the Hong Kong International Convention for ship recycling as a step towards integrating circular economy principles into maritime practices. Ensuring safe use of alternative marine fuels and ongoing training for professionals were also emphasised.

Net-Zero Emissions in Maritime Industry

The second panel focused on achieving net-zero emissions amid climate change pressures. Experts like Peter Rouch from Mission to Seafarers discussed alternative marine fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels. They examined infrastructure needs and regulatory frameworks for their adoption.

Green shipping corridors were highlighted as zero-emission trade routes requiring international collaboration to scale up initiatives. Discussions included carbon pricing mechanisms, innovative financing tools, and modernising fleets with advanced propulsion systems to reduce emissions.

Challenges Facing Global Ports

Participants addressed challenges faced by global ports due to rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. They underscored that international cooperation is vital for success in these efforts. Developing regulations and incentives supporting green transitions in the maritime industry was collectively called for.

Combating Marine Plastic Waste

The final panel of the day focused on marine plastic waste from ships, a threat to ecosystems and coastal economies. Panellists like Sasi Prabhakaran from AD Ports Group discussed adhering to MARPOL Annex V provisions while evaluating enforcement mechanisms' effectiveness.

Innovative onboard waste management technologies were showcased, including sorting systems. The readiness of global port waste reception facilities was assessed, emphasising enhancing their capabilities to manage ship-generated waste effectively.

Extended Producer Responsibility

The importance of implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within maritime supply chains was highlighted, encouraging manufacturers to reduce plastic use in packaging. Strengthening reporting mechanisms to measure waste generation accurately was also stressed.

Crew training plays a critical role in raising awareness about plastic pollution, positioning seafarers as the first line of defense against it. Throughout the event's first day, speakers reaffirmed that issues like decarbonisation and plastic pollution prevention are global priorities.

The UAE's efforts to establish itself as a leading platform for international dialogue were praised, shaping policies promoting ocean sustainability and the future of the maritime sector.

With inputs from WAM