As 2024 draws to a close, the maritime community gathered for the highly anticipated 7Emirates Dialogues 2024: A New Era of Energy and Economy.

The event assembled maritime leaders, policymakers, and innovators, bringing awareness to the UAE’s role in shaping the global maritime industry while addressing critical challenges and opportunities in sustainability, technology, and economic resilience.

Huma Qureshi, Emirates Shipping Association General Manager, highlighted 7Emirates’ role as a catalyst for growth, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global maritime progress.

Capt. Abdulkareem Almessabi, Emirates Shipping Association Chairman, celebrated the UAE’s strategic location and advanced maritime infrastructure while urging stakeholders to collaborate in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

Keynote Speeches

The event officially opened with an inspiring keynote speech by H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, who highlighted the sector’s resilience and sustainability as foundational to the UAE’s economy and heritage. Citing impressive milestones such as managing 1,300 vessels, ranking among the top 10 global container operators, and achieving a GDP contribution of AED 129 billion, he emphasised the nation’s commitment to innovation in energy transitions, including hydrogen, carbon capture, and digital technologies.

H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, shared her vision for building a maritime ecosystem defined by collaboration, trust, and bold action. She underscored the UAE’s leadership in maritime decarbonisation, with initiatives including the forthcoming Middle East Maritime Decarbonisation Centre.

Capt. Dheeraj Sharma, Vice President at ABS, presented on the provocative topic of nuclear energy in maritime, exploring its efficiency and potential to reshape the future of shipping, citing the example of the USS Savannah as the first commercial vessel powered by nuclear energy.

Key Milestone: Signing of MOU between the MOEI and Emirates Shipping Association

The event marked the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Emirates Shipping Association, formalising the collaboration on maritime policy recommendations resulting from the Association’s three committees.

Panel Discussions

The event featured two dynamic panel discussions. The first, moderated by Marcin Jedrzejewski (Boston Consulting Group), entitled Unlocking the Energy Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy, explored the opportunities and challenges in adopting e-fuels like e-ammonia and e-methanol, along with nuclear energy. Some highlights:

• Khalid Mohamed Al Shehhi (ADNOC Low Carbon Solutions) emphasised the need for future-proofing fleets to meet 2030 customer demands.
• Jesper Glahn (Copenhagen Atomics) discussed changing perceptions of nuclear power in commercial maritime, and the use of nuclear energy onshore in the production of e-fuels.
• Daniel Schwappach (Siemens Energy) clarified the role of photovoltaic energy from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park in the hydrolysis of hydrogen for the production of e-fuels.
• Jens Maul Joergensen (Oldendorff Carriers) highlighted the logistical and investment hurdles in adopting new fuels like ammonia, noting that shipping is the most carbon-friendly form of transport on earth.

The second Panel, entitled Resilience of the Maritime Sector, Adapting to Changing Economies, moderated by Martin Helweg (P&O Maritime Logistics), focused on maritime investment strategies and the economic impact on consumers. Some highlights:

• Christopher Kirton (International Tanker Management, part of V.Group) reflected on the importance of dealing and collaborating with end-users in ship management.
• Hugh Cox (RAK Ports) shared insights on reducing inefficiencies in tanker operations and the importance of supply chain investments.
• Frederik De Preter (Orbis Risk Partners): Advocated for transparency and partnerships as critical to long-term success.

The event was bookended with a rousing keynote by Anders Østergaard, Emirates Shipping Association Secretary-General, reflecting on the promises made in 2023, the achievements accomplished in 2024, and the path ahead for 2025. 

The session closed with musical entertainment and canapes served under the stars, with a spectacular view of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. 

Moving Forward

As the global maritime industry faces unprecedented change, the Emirates Shipping Association is positioned to lead with visionary policies, innovative committees and strategic partnerships.