Opportunities emerging from big data and digitization and their role in re-shaping the future of the maritime sector was discussed during a workshop held by Dubai Maritime City Authority in cooperation with Det Norske Veritas, one of the world's largest classification society of vessels.

The 'Maritime Innovation' workshop was participated by maritime industry pioneers and government entities such as DP World, Dry Docks World, Dubai Maritime City, Jafza and Trakhees.

The workshop was organised to attract investment in innovation, initiate research and development initiatives, enhance the local sector's competitiveness, and make Dubai one of the world's leading maritime capitals, said a statement.

Held under the supervision of Sven Adgeran, head of innovation at Det Norske Veritas, the workshop underscored the importance of facilitating knowledge and expertise transfer, especially in the field of research, innovation, smart navigation, digitization, and big data in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century.

The workshop's two main agenda were 'Maritime Innovation' and 'Det Norske Veritas GL: A journey full of excellence in maritime research, development and innovation.'

Discussions revolved around the evolution of maritime connectivity, progress in smart navigation, 'Autonomous Ships,' and the positive impact of Det Norske Veritas GL's research activities and innovative initiatives.
The workshop served as an ideal venue to explore opportunities emerging from big data and digitization, their role in re-shaping the future of the maritime sector, and solutions to relevant challenges.

Amer Ali, executive director of DMCA, said the forum was part of the relentless endeavours to establish a culture of creativity, innovation and serious research towards establishing an integrated, renewable, secure and sustainable maritime sector capable of meeting the needs of the future.

Ali also pointed out that DMCA's strategic partnership with Det Norske Veritas GL reflects the global maritime community's high confidence in DMCA, a major player in advancing the development of the local and regional maritime industries.

He added: "The workshop provided an ideal platform to explore new horizons and reshape the future of the maritime industry based on research, development, innovation and new technology. We are upbeat that our strong partnership with Det Norske Veritas will lead to more effective initiatives in accordance with our efforts to develop innovative methodologies as well as new means and promising opportunities to optimize modern technology. This embodies our ambitious aspirations to build an integrated and competitive maritime economy as the country prepares for a 'post-oil UAE.'

DMCA and Det Norske Veritas GL have formed a solid strategic partnership to innovate, develop and implement quality initiatives to enhance Dubai's maritime sector and its technological capacity, particularly in terms of smart navigation, digitization, big data, and data management, among others, said the statement.

The mutually beneficial cooperation focuses on promoting maritime innovation programs as well as linking leading local universities, educational organizations, academic institutions, research centers, and government bodies. These allow both parties to learn about the recent developments in maritime technological innovations in support of relentless national endeavors to build a secure, renewable and sustainable maritime sector, it said. – TradeArabia News Service