Arthur Morrish, CEO of ASPIRE - the technology programme management pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) - said that the Mohamed bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge, to be held in June 2023, aims to push the boundaries of independent systems to create practical solutions to maritime security challenges, such as piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing.

The Emirates Classification Society (TASNEEF), the first Arab Classification Society founded with the aim of improving the maritime industry’s security and safety has been a frontrunner in terms of adopting the latest technology for enhanced service offerings. This, along with the assimilation of ambitious UAE Nationals within the entity’s infrastructure is its key strength. Through various efforts and initiatives, TASNEEF has encouraged the participation of women in the maritime industry, thus bridging the gender gap and capitalising on the added value women add to the industry through their unique skill sets.

The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has always been at the forefront of bringing about a radical change in the UAE’s maritime sector through an extensive range of industry initiatives, regulations and guidelines, which reaffirm Dubai’s position as a leading maritime centre. Through ground-breaking collaborations, DMCA has enhanced the nation’s maritime infrastructure, operations, and logistics services, and has produced investment opportunities to boost Dubai’s competitiveness.

NYK and NYK Group company Japan Marine Science Inc. (JMS) have concluded a consulting contract with Trelleborg Marine Systems (TMS), a group company of the Swedish polymer manufacturer Trelleborg AB, to introduce and promote to Japan ports mainly servicing bulk carriers the new mooring system DynaMoor, which enables ships to be moored at the port more safely.

Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury brand owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, will introduce its next generation cruise ship in the summer of 2023, becoming possibly the first large-scale installation of hydrogen fuel cells for cruise ships. The first of three cruise ships to be built for the brand at Meyer Werft in Germany, the ships will feature a hybrid power plant combining the hydrogen fuel cells with batteries and dual-fuel engines using LNG.