Norwegian classification society DNV has joined forces with the United Arab Emirates to establish a centre focused on boosting maritime’s efforts to decarbonise shipping.
DNV Maritime chief executive Knut Orbeck-Nilssen and UAE minister of energy and infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to set up a UAE decarbonisation centre.
On Twitter, the ministry described the planned centre as a first of its kind for the MENA region made up of the Middle East and North Africa and the fourth worldwide focused on shipping’s carbon footprint.
A signing ceremony took place at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization to sign the MOU for the initiative led by Foundation Det Norske Veritas.
To push decarbonisation, the facility will work on joint industry research programmes, collaborate with governmental, industry and academic stakeholders, and attract and develop new talent, DNV said.
It will also focus on programmes that incubate and accelerate development of new technologies and provide a centralised hub for information on decarbonisation.
“The Foundation Det Norske Veritas is driven by a desire to help society tackle major global transformations,” said Remi Eriksen, chief executive of the foundation and DNV.
“The founding of the UAE decarbonisation centre, in cooperation with the ministry, is another significant milestone for the industry and we look forward to welcoming new partners in the future.”
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 80th session this month showed that shipping is on an accelerating path to decarbonisation, but realising it is complex and possible only through a cooperative cross-industry effort, DNV said.
“By collaborating with DNV, we aim to leverage their expertise and global network to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of decarbonisation technologies,” Mazrouei said.
“The centre will play a pivotal role in advancing our national and regional sustainability goals, while contributing to the global efforts in combating climate change.”
DNV and the UAE plan to launch the centre at the beginning of next year.
