On the occasion of the 51st UAE National Day, the Emirates Shipping Association announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Chamber of Shipping. The MOU, which sets out the objectives of mutual cooperation and solidarity towards driving innovation, sustainability, and regulation in the maritime sector, was signed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London by Emirates Shipping Association Chairman Abdulkareem Almessabi and ICS Secretary General Guy Platten, in the presence of representatives from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim.

The MOU aims to increase cooperation and collaboration between the Emirates Shipping Association and ICS in the lead up to COP28, with the goal of supporting the shipping sector in the global energy transition and the role it will play in delivering low carbon fuels.

Abdulkareem Almessabi, Chairman of the Emirates Shipping Association commented:

Emirates Shipping Association is pleased to strengthen the relationship with International Chamber of Shipping through this MOU, as we hope to take a step closer in preparing and navigating the shipping industry in the UAE towards a responsible energy landscape.

Sustainability is a key pillar of the association, and the MOU reflects the increasing influence of the UAE in shaping global climate policy. It is particularly relevant as the UAE is set to preside over the COP28 climate conference.

ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, noted:

The UAE has an ambitious approach to the maritime industry’s energy transition. The next few years will be critical and shipping will play a fundamental role in delivering low carbon fuels globally, acting as an enabler for governments and industries to achieve their climate targets. We look forward to working with the Emirates Shipping Association on this in the lead up to UNFCCC Climate Conference COP28 and beyond.

This cross-sectoral public-private initiative aims to accelerate the production, export, and import of low-carbon fuels globally and is coordinated with the support of the ICS, the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). The ICS is confident that this partnership with the ESA will be positive and successful for the industry overall.