Latest news with #MinistryofEnergyandInfrastructure
Hi Dubai
6 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
MoEI Launches Phase 2 of Zero Bureaucracy Drive to Streamline Services
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the second phase of its Zero Bureaucracy Programme, aimed at transforming government services by cutting red tape, reducing paperwork, and accelerating service delivery across the UAE. Announced during the ministry's first Zero Bureaucracy Forum of 2025 in Dubai, the initiative is designed to enhance customer satisfaction by eliminating unnecessary steps, minimising documentation, and shortening processing times. Senior officials from the ministry and partner entities attended the event, underscoring the government's commitment to faster, more efficient, and user-centric services. As part of the forum, the Minister's Zero Bureaucracy Award was introduced to recognise outstanding efforts in simplifying procedures and improving the overall customer experience. The programme also seeks to foster a culture of innovation and proactive leadership among ministry employees, while actively involving stakeholders in shaping a more agile public sector. The move aligns with the UAE government's broader vision of delivering seamless and responsive services across all departments. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE advances as global maritime power through system of legislation, investments
The UAE has become a leading global maritime hub, building on a strong record of achievements, progressive legislation, and strategic investments that have made it a model in maritime sustainability, advanced infrastructure, and sound governance. Thanks to its strategic geographic location at the heart of global trade routes, the UAE has become a pivotal logistics hub connecting Eastern and Western markets. The UAE has also played an active role in shaping international maritime policies, contributing strategic proposals to update the legal maritime framework—particularly regarding the prevention of illegal practices related to fraudulent ship registration. The country has taken a leading role in drafting regulatory best practices for autonomous maritime vessels. The UAE boasts one of the most advanced maritime infrastructures in the region. In 2023, the country's ports handled around 21 million TEUs, setting record figures in facilitating trade and the flow of goods. The maritime sector contributed approximately AED135 billion to the national GDP, reflecting the vital economic importance of this sector. The UAE is considered the leading destination for commercial vessels in the region, thanks to its comprehensive services, high operational capabilities, and advanced digital systems that enhance the efficiency of logistics operations. The country has prioritised the development of human capital in the maritime sector, and through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and maritime administration experts, has organized specialised training workshops in cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Between 2020 and 2025, six regional workshops were held, in addition to participating in audit missions for several countries, including Egypt, Greece, Malta, and Thailand. The UAE has also established several maritime academies, such as the Sharjah Maritime Academy and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, alongside training programmes at the Higher Colleges of Technology. These institutions have graduated approximately 497 marine officers and engineers, including 100 female officers and engineers—a step that underscores the country's commitment to supporting women's roles in this vital sector. As part of its environmental commitment, the UAE has announced its Net Zero 2050 Strategy and has been a pioneer in implementing sustainable solutions within the maritime sector. Fujairah Port stands as a regional model for supplying ships with low-sulfur clean fuel and also offers liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services, in alignment with the MARPOL Convention to prevent air pollution from ships. Moreover, the UAE has joined the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition and the Green Shipping Corridors Alliance. The UAE is also among the leading developers of digital and smart systems in the maritime shipping sector. It has launched pioneering projects such as Blue Pass, Maqta Gateway, BoxBay intelligent container storage system, and CargoSpeed, along with container loading automation systems used in Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports. These advanced technologies contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving supply chain efficiency, and offering a comprehensive model for logistical automation. UAE companies have extended their maritime sector investments to over 78 countries, contributing to the development of ports and maritime terminals, building global trade bridges, and advancing automation and digitalisation in global shipping. The number of ports operated by UAE national entities worldwide has reached 106, reflecting the country's advanced logistical position and its pivotal role in connecting global markets. The UAE has aligned its national strategy with the objectives of IMO and has declared its full support for decarbonising maritime transport. The country has also contributed to funding a dedicated IMO trust fund aimed at helping island and developing nations participate in IMO meetings, reinforcing the principles of inclusivity and equity. The UAE has actively participated in the IMO's regular meetings and has submitted significant initiatives to advance international regulations and standards. The country now seeks to renew its membership in the IMO Council to continue its vital role as a flag state, port state, coastal state, and a major global energy supplier. The UAE has transformed into a global convenor for international conferences and exhibitions in the maritime and logistics sectors, such as UAE Maritime Week, Breakbulk Middle East, and ADIPEC. These events aim to foster innovation and drive global dialogue on the future of sustainable maritime transport. The UAE has also actively participated in COP conferences and BRICS meetings focused on port decarbonisation, using these platforms to reaffirm its leadership role in shaping a low-emission maritime future. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, "The UAE is confidently progressing toward becoming a global maritime power, thanks to the vision of our wise leadership and the efforts of all those working in this sector. Today, we are accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and intelligent maritime transport system, reinforcing our position as a key contributor in shaping the future of global shipping." He added, "We are currently working to support the integration of digitalisation and sustainability across all aspects of the sector—whether through legislative frameworks or the adoption of advanced technologies such as autonomous ships. This reflects our commitment to enhancing the efficiency of maritime operations while achieving environmental sustainability. The UAE believes that innovation is the engine of the future, and we are ready to share our knowledge with the international community in pursuit of shared goals." He continued, "Our membership in the IMO Council is a responsibility that stems from our ongoing commitment to best practices and our dedication to sharing our expertise and supporting other nations in building a safe and advanced maritime sector. We believe that the UAE—through its human, technological, and investment capabilities—is well positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global maritime industry." Hassan Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, 'The maritime sector is one of the strategic pillars of the UAE's vision to build an integrated, sustainable, and smart transportation system, aligned with the nation's direction toward a diversified economy based on knowledge and advanced technologies. Through a maritime infrastructure that is among the most modern and efficient globally, the UAE has worked to empower global supply chains, enhance port readiness, and connect regional and international markets in a flexible and secure manner. We underscore our commitment to continued leadership and active contribution to shaping the future of maritime transport regionally and globally.' Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the UAE views the maritime sector as a central ingredient of comprehensive development, not merely as infrastructure or port activity. She added, 'This sector contributes to economic growth, environmental protection, and the creation of quality opportunities for society. The achievements realised at the national level are the result of a clear national vision and strong institutional will, and the UAE is working to share this successful experience internationally as a trusted and influential partner in shaping the future of the global maritime industry.' WAM
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE advances as global maritime power through system of legislation, investments
22 June 2025 12:51 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE has become a leading global maritime hub, building on a strong record of achievements, progressive legislation, and strategic investments that have made it a model in maritime sustainability, advanced infrastructure, and sound to its strategic geographic location at the heart of global trade routes, the UAE has become a pivotal logistics hub connecting Eastern and Western UAE has also played an active role in shaping international maritime policies, contributing strategic proposals to update the legal maritime framework—particularly regarding the prevention of illegal practices related to fraudulent ship registration. The country has taken a leading role in drafting regulatory best practices for autonomous maritime UAE boasts one of the most advanced maritime infrastructures in the region. In 2023, the country's ports handled around 21 million TEUs, setting record figures in facilitating trade and the flow of maritime sector contributed approximately Dh135 billion to the national GDP, reflecting the vital economic importance of this UAE is considered the leading destination for commercial vessels in the region, thanks to its comprehensive services, high operational capabilities, and advanced digital systems that enhance the efficiency of logistics operations. The country has prioritised the development of human capital in the maritime sector, and through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and maritime administration experts, has organised specialised training workshops in cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).Between 2020 and 2025, six regional workshops were held, in addition to participating in audit missions for several countries, including Egypt, Greece, Malta, and UAE has also established several maritime academies, such as the Sharjah Maritime Academy and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, alongside training programmes at the Higher Colleges of Technology. These institutions have graduated approximately 497 marine officers and engineers, including 100 female officers and engineers—a step that underscores the country's commitment to supporting women's roles in this vital part of its environmental commitment, the UAE has announced its Net Zero 2050 Strategy and has been a pioneer in implementing sustainable solutions within the maritime sector. Fujairah Port stands as a regional model for supplying ships with low-sulfur clean fuel and also offers liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services, in alignment with the MARPOL Convention to prevent air pollution from the UAE has joined the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition and the Green Shipping Corridors UAE is also among the leading developers of digital and smart systems in the maritime shipping sector. It has launched pioneering projects such as Blue Pass, Maqta Gateway, BoxBay intelligent container storage system, and CargoSpeed, along with container loading automation systems used in Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports. These advanced technologies contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving supply chain efficiency, and offer a comprehensive model for logistical companies have extended their maritime sector investments to over 78 countries, contributing to the development of ports and maritime terminals, building global trade bridges, and advancing automation and digitalisation in global shipping. The number of ports operated by UAE national entities worldwide has reached 106, reflecting the country's advanced logistical position and its pivotal role in connecting global UAE has aligned its national strategy with the objectives of IMO and has declared its full support for decarbonising maritime transport. The country has also contributed to funding a dedicated IMO trust fund aimed at helping island and developing nations participate in IMO meetings, reinforcing the principles of inclusivity and UAE has actively participated in the IMO's regular meetings and has submitted significant initiatives to advance international regulations and standards. The country now seeks to renew its membership in the IMO Council to continue its vital role as a flag state, port state, coastal state, and a major global energy UAE has transformed into a global convenor for international conferences and exhibitions in the maritime and logistics sectors, such as UAE Maritime Week, Breakbulk Middle East, and ADIPEC. These events aim to foster innovation and drive global dialogue on the future of sustainable maritime UAE has also actively participated in COP conferences and BRICS meetings focused on port decarbonisation, using these platforms to reaffirm its leadership role in shaping a low-emission maritime bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, "The UAE is confidently progressing toward becoming a global maritime power, thanks to the vision of our wise leadership and the efforts of all those working in this sector. Today, we are accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and intelligent maritime transport system, reinforcing our position as a key contributor in shaping the future of global shipping."He added, "We are currently working to support the integration of digitalisation and sustainability across all aspects of the sector—whether through legislative frameworks or the adoption of advanced technologies such as autonomous ships. This reflects our commitment to enhancing the efficiency of maritime operations while achieving environmental sustainability. The UAE believes that innovation is the engine of the future, and we are ready to share our knowledge with the international community in pursuit of shared goals."He continued, "Our membership in the IMO Council is a responsibility that stems from our ongoing commitment to best practices and our dedication to sharing our expertise and supporting other nations in building a safe and advanced maritime sector. We believe that the UAE—through its human, technological, and investment capabilities—is well positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global maritime industry."Hassan Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, 'The maritime sector is one of the strategic pillars of the UAE's vision to build an integrated, sustainable, and smart transportation system, aligned with the nation's direction toward a diversified economy based on knowledge and advanced technologies."Through a maritime infrastructure that is among the most modern and efficient globally, the UAE has worked to empower global supply chains, enhance port readiness, and connect regional and international markets in a flexible and secure manner. We underscore our commitment to continued leadership and active contribution to shaping the future of maritime transport regionally and globally.'Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the UAE views the maritime sector as a central ingredient of comprehensive development, not merely as infrastructure or port activity. She added, 'This sector contributes to economic growth, environmental protection, and the creation of quality opportunities for society. The achievements realised at the national level are the result of a clear national vision and strong institutional will, and the UAE is working to share this successful experience internationally as a trusted and influential partner in shaping the future of the global maritime industry.'
19-06-2025
- General
Greenpeace warns of potential environmental disaster as oil tankers collide near Strait of Hormuz
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- A collision between two oil tankers just east of the world's most critical oil choke point, the Strait of Hormuz, could bring about a potential environmental disaster, Greenpeace said on Thursday. The two giant tankers, ADALYNN and Front Eagle, crashed Tuesday in the Gulf of Oman and caught fire before the Emirati national guard intervened to evacuate crew members. No injuries were reported, according to Emirati authorities. Satellite data from NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System showed heat signatures in the area early Tuesday morning. Greenpeace said it had reviewed satellite imagery that showed a plume of oil stretching up to about 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) from the crash site. The 23-year-old tanker ADALYNN belonged to a so-called Russian 'shadow fleet' – known to operate older ships below basic security standards – and may have been carrying around 70,000 tons of crude oil, the group said. 'This is just one of many dangerous incidents to take place in the past years,' said Farah Al Hattab of Greenpeace's Middle East and North Africa division, adding that such oil spills "endanger marine life.' The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure did not respond to a request for comment. It was not immediately clear what caused Tuesday's incident. British maritime security firm Ambrey said it was unrelated to fighting between Israel and nearby Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, near where the collision took place, is the strategic maritime entryway to the Persian Gulf and sees about a fifth of the world's oil pass through it, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In 2024, an average of 20 million barrels of oil traveled through it daily. After Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on June 13, oil prices surged as worry mounted over whether the Islamic Republic might block the waterway. Maritime ship experts say shipowners are increasingly wary of using the waterway, with some ships having tightened security and others canceling routes there. As the Israel-Iran conflict intensified over the weekend, hundreds of ships in the strait saw spotty navigation signals and had to rely more on radar. The Financial Times reported on June 13 that the world's largest publicly listed oil tanker company, Frontline – which owns the Front Eagle oil tanker involved in Tuesday's crash – said it would turn down new contracts to sail into the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.
Euronews
19-06-2025
- General
- Euronews
Greenpeace warns of disaster after tanker crash near Strait of Hormuz
A collision between two oil tankers just east of the world's most critical oil choke point, the Strait of Hormuz, could bring about a potential environmental disaster, Greenpeace said on Thursday. The two giant tankers, ADALYNN and Front Eagle, crashed on Tuesday, 17 June, in the Gulf of Oman and caught fire before the Emirati national guard intervened to evacuate crew members. No injuries were reported, according to Emirati authorities. Satellite data from NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System showed heat signatures in the area early Tuesday morning. Greenpeace said it had reviewed satellite imagery that showed a plume of oil stretching up to about 1,500 hectares from the crash site. The 23-year-old tanker ADALYNN belonged to a so-called Russian 'shadow fleet' – known to operate older ships below basic security standards – and may have been carrying around 70,000 tonnes of crude oil, the group said. 'This is just one of many dangerous incidents to take place in the past years,' said Farah Al Hattab of Greenpeace's Middle East and North Africa division, adding that such oil spills "endanger marine life.' The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure did not respond to a request for comment. It was not immediately clear what caused Tuesday's incident. British maritime security firm Ambrey said it was unrelated to the fighting between Israel and nearby Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, near where the collision took place, is the strategic maritime entryway to the Persian Gulf and sees about a fifth of the world's oil pass through it, according to the US Energy Information Administration. In 2024, an average of 20 million barrels of oil travelled through it daily. After Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on 13 June, oil prices surged as worry mounted over whether the Islamic Republic might block the waterway. Maritime ship experts say shipowners are increasingly wary of using the waterway, with some ships having tightened security and others cancelling routes there. As the Israel-Iran conflict intensified over the weekend, hundreds of ships in the strait saw spotty navigation signals and had to rely more on radar. The Financial Times reported on 13 June that the world's largest publicly listed oil tanker company, Frontline, which owns the Front Eagle oil tanker involved in Tuesday's crash, said it would turn down new contracts to sail into the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Converting abandoned or soon-to-close coal mines into solar farms could provide enough power to meet the demands of a country the size of Germany, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis. Researchers from Global Energy Monitor (GEM) have identified 312 surface coal mines that have been shut since 2020, sprawling over 2,089 square kilometres (km²). Its Global Coal Mine Tracker (GCMT) finds that a further 3,731 km² of mine land is set to be abandoned by operators before the end of 2030 as reserves are run down. In total, that means an estimated 446 coal mines and 5,820 km² of abandoned land that could be repurposed for solar projects and generate nearly 300 GW of renewable energy. That's a huge amount - equivalent to around 15 per cent of globally installed solar capacity today. 'The legacy of coal is written into the land, but that legacy does not have to define the future,' says Cheng Cheng Wu, project manager for the Energy Transition Tracker at GEM. 'The coal mine to solar transition is underway, and this potential is ready to be unlocked in major coal producers like Australia, the US, Indonesia and India,' Wu adds. China is currently leading the pack on coal-to-solar projects. It has 90 such conversions up and running, with a capacity of 14 GW, and 46 more projects in the pipeline. The next four major coal producers above hold nearly three-quarters of the global potential for coal-to-solar transitions, the analysts found. In Europe, the report singles out Greece - which is 'exceptionally well-suited' for turning old coal mines into solar plants. An average solar potential of 4.45 kilowatts per square meter (kW/m²), a fast-approaching coal phaseout goal of 2026, and a supportive financing environment as an EU member state all make Greece ripe for this transition. In Western Macedonia in northern Greece, companies have already set to work creating solar parks in the boundaries of the former Amynteo opencast lignite mine. And the country's EU-funded national recovery plan Greece 2.0 has set aside €175 million to support more solar projects in Central Macedonia. Given the global goal of tripling renewables capacity by 2030, derelict coal mines present a sizable opportunity for the clean energy transition. But the benefits don't stop there. 'Acquiring land for global renewable energy targets has been rife with conflicts among stakeholders and decision-makers,' acknowledges Hailey Deres, researcher at GEM. Developers are busy exploring overlooked sites for panels - from roadsides to reservoirs and railway tracks - and old coal mines are a particularly fitting location. 'So repurposing degraded lands could provide salient new benefits to former coal communities across the planet,' she continues. 'Repurposing mines for solar development offers a rare chance to bring together land restoration, local job creation, and clean energy deployment in a single strategy,' adds Wu. 'With the right choices, the same ground that powered the industrial era can help power the climate solutions we now urgently need.' In total, the analysts estimate that 259,700 permanent jobs could be created at coal-to-solar transition sites, and another 317,500 temporary and construction jobs. That's more than the number of workers the coal industry is expected to shed globally by 2035. Old coal mines are often just left as a scar on the landscape, but this approach also provides an economic incentive for reclamation and cleaning up the mess left after mining. 'We've seen what happens in coal communities when companies go bankrupt, axe the workers, and leave a mess behind,' says Ryan Driskell Tate, associate director at GEM. 'But mined-out coalfields harbour huge potential for powering a clean energy future. It's already happening. We just need the right mix of incentives to put people to work building the next generation of solar in coal country.'
