Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), Emirates Shipping Association successfully concluded the Maritime Leadership Program 2025 (MLP25) in Singapore 5th to 10th October. The five day program deepened global partnerships, advanced sustainability dialogue, and highlighted the UAE’s commitment to shaping the future of maritime leadership.

Hosted in Singapore, one of the world’s most advanced maritime hubs, MLP25 brought together delegates from across the UAE’s maritime community for immersive learning, strategic dialogue, and cross-cultural exchange. This year’s themes — Innovation & Operational Excellence, Decarbonisation & Smart Shipping, Maritime Security & Emergency Preparedness, and Governance & Shipping Finance — reflected the program’s evolution from regional leadership development into a global platform for collaboration and thought leadership.

A Welcome Above the Skyline

The program began with a sunset Welcome Reception at Andaz Singapore, hosted by Monjasa Asia. Against the city’s skyline, delegates heard opening remarks from Program Director Dr. Waddah Ghanem Al Hashmi and Emirates Shipping Association General Manager Huma Qureshi. The evening set the tone for the week — a reminder that leadership begins with connection.

Day 1: Policy, Partnerships, and the Power of Vision

H.E. Jamal Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, opened the first full day by highlighting the shared ambition of the UAE and Singapore to advance as global maritime leaders through innovation, sustainability, and cooperation.

Sessions with the UAE–Singapore Business Council (UAESBC), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), Baltic Exchange, and subject matter experts on green financing explored topics including port digitalisation, emissions tools, Poseidon Principles, and green bunkering.

The day concluded with a catamaran dinner cruise hosted by Oldendorff Carriers — a memorable evening blending thought leadership with networking on the water.

Day 2: Security, Digitalisation & Readiness

Day 2 centred on strengthening maritime resilience. DNV unpacked trusted digital infrastructure and long-term fuel strategies, while the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) illustrated the scale of global security cooperation. Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) reinforced the importance of preparedness, training, and communication in crisis response.

With rising cyber risks, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain vulnerabilities, maritime security is more critical than ever to protect trade, data, and operations.

The key message: resilience comes from collaboration, capability, and data-driven readiness.

Day 3: Sustainability, Legal Readiness & Regional Stability

Hafnia shed light on decarbonisation and scalable energy solutions. They emphasised the need for collaboration, practical policies, and digital innovation across the energy value chain to accelerate decarbonisation and improve operational efficiency.

ReCAAP ISC underscored the value of regional intelligence sharing in maritime security. Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP guided delegates through the legal frameworks that support dispute resolution, compliance, and governance — all essential to maritime leadership.

Day 4: Innovation and action in PSA Innovation Centre and Tuas Port alongside Singapore Management University

Delegates experienced innovation firsthand with visits to the PSA Innovation Centre and Tuas Port, facilitated alongside Singapore Management University (SMU). The sessions showcased how automation, data analytics, and simulation tools are transforming port operations.

At Tuas Port, the world’s largest fully automated container terminal, delegates observed smart systems, renewable energy solutions, and autonomous technologies redefining operational efficiency.

Day 5: Reflection, Recognition & the Road Ahead

The final day began with a debrief session, where delegates reflected on key learnings from MLP25 and drew parallels between the UAE and Singapore’s maritime journeys. Discussions highlighted sustainability, governance, innovation, and talent development — and how public–private collaboration continues to drive progress.

The afternoon featured high-level networking with program partners and professionals from Singapore’s maritime market, enabling dialogue and new connections across the global maritime community.

The Closing Ceremony, hosted by Emirates Shipping Association, brought together delegates, partners, and industry leaders to celebrate achievements and strengthen international collaboration.

Partners including Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), DNV, Hafnia, Information Fusion Centre (IFC), Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), Baltic Exchange, PSA, Singapore Management University (SMU), Rajah & Tann, Monjasa Asia, Oldendorff, ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), UAE Embassy in Singapore, and UAE Singapore Business Council (UAESBC) were honoured for their invaluable contributions.

A Platform for the Future

MLP25 reaffirmed that the maritime industry’s greatest strength lies in its people and showcased what’s possible when nations, industries, and institutions work together to shape a sustainable and connected future.

Find out more at https://7emirates.com/mlp/