The UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA) - Land & Maritime has signed a MoU with Safeen, the marine services subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, to provide emergency response services and support maritime rescue operations across the territorial waters of the UAE.

 

As per  the deal, Safeen's responsibilities will include all types of marine emergencies including, oil spills, firefighting, wreck removal, salvage, grounding, rescue towing, maritime surveying, search and rescue, and well as a host of ancillary services.

 

The deal is part of FTA’s effort to enhance its partnerships with key national companies and authorities in the maritime sector with the aim of optimising the safety, security and environmental protection of the marine domain within the UAE, said the statement from Abu Dhabi Ports. 

 

Under the terms of the MoU, Safeen will work closely with the FTA to provide services and rapid response to emergency cases, in addition to continuously exchanging information and knowledge, and sharing resources with the FTA when requested.

 

The MOU signing took place in a virtual ceremony recently which was attended by FTA Director General Ahmed Mohamed Sharif Al Khoori and Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi.

 

Al Khoori said the FTA deal with Abu Dhabi Ports is a major step in upgrading the standards of health and safety in the UAE’s maritime sector, and reaffirms the Authority's commitment to forge a future that places the emirates as a world leader in creating a sustainable maritime society.

 

“By nurturing partnerships with leading national companies that provide reliable, safe and effective marine services, the Authority will have the tools and procedures that will enable it to decisively respond to emergencies and ensure safety and security across the maritime sector. Our agreement will also allow us to provide further support to the coastguard and other local authorities that are essential to securing and safeguarding the waters of the UAE," he added.