United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has entered into a deal with Norway’s DNV GL to collaborate on various maritime innovation initiatives, making Dubai a well-equipped maritime gateway in the world.   

Under the collaboration, both the parties will invest in several research and development (R&D) programmes to help develop new maritime technologies.

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Additionally, the companies will share their knowledge and experiences on the latest shipping technology, as well as developments in environmental, safety and quality concerns.

"MCA’s collaboration with DNV GL is part of our long-term vision for Dubai to become a world-class maritime gateway."

DMCA and DNV GL will also explore initiatives that will further advance the Dubai maritime sector’s technological capacity in various fields, including smart shipping, digitalisation, big data and real-time information management.

Furthermore, the deal aims to promote maritime innovation programmes in Dubai and other parts of the Middle East.

Dubai Maritime City Authority executive director Amer Ali said: “DMCA’s collaboration with DNV GL is part of our long-term vision for Dubai to become a world-class maritime gateway.

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“Innovation, research and technology are certainly essential factors for DMCA to provide an internationally-recognised maritime cluster and enhance the sector’s efficiency and global competitiveness.

“In navigating through this path, it is important that DMCA establishes the right tools and methods in order to manage the impact as well as the opportunities that new technologies present to us.”

In addition, DMCA and DNV GL will partner with local universities, higher education institutes, research organisations and other government bodies in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.

Established in 2007, DMCA is involved in monitoring, developing and promoting Dubai maritime activities.

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