Al Mazrouei: Maritime sector plays effective role during pandemic

The Day of the Seafarer, held on 25th June every year, draws global attention to the contribution that seafarers make to world trade.

The UAE joined the international community in celebrating the day. A series of technical maritime workshops were conducted while ships in the UAE’s ports together sound their horns as a part of the ''Horns of Hope'' initiative launched by Abu Dhabi Ports in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to show support for those engaged on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative calls on all ships in harbours around the world to sound their horns in 15-second bursts each evening, in recognition of the efforts of maritime, healthcare, and critical sector personnel, who are working diligently to ensure their respective communities remain safe and healthy.

Al Mazrouei said the maritime sector had significantly contributed to ensuring the smooth flow of supplies and enhancing the logistical services as one of the key pillars of the UAE's strengths to secure food and medical supplies and other basic needs. "The maritime response to the pandemic underscores the UAE's resilience and ability to address emergencies."

The ministry had teamed up with maritime companies to repatriate seafarers during the suspension of flights and had welcomed several ships and provided healthcare to infected seafarers on board and vaccinated seafarers and other workers, he said.

The UAE, he noted, is among 60 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states who have designated Seafarers as key workers.