UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Mr. Suhail Al Mazrouei has stated that the marine sector plays an important role in ensuring the Emirates’ medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He made this statement during the Day of the Seafarer, which helps to draw 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 blew 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 encourages all ships in ports across the world to sound their horns in 15-second bursts every evening to honor the efforts of maritime, healthcare, and critical sector professionals who work tirelessly to keep their communities safe and healthy.
Suhail Al Mazrouei Energy & Infrastructure Ministry UAE
“The maritime sector has 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. The UAE has taken proactive measures to protect seafarers and other workers in the sector. The UAE is among 60 International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states who have designated Seafarers as key workers.”
In his message on the Day of the Seafarer, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Kitack Lim said, “Our 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign builds on the progress to support seafarers on pandemic-related challenges. It aims to draw global attention to all areas where fairness is important. This includes a safe, secure environment on ships, reasonable working conditions, fair treatment in all situations, as well as respect for the rights of all – regardless of race, gender and religion.”
“I am especially pleased that IMO will be amplifying the voices of seafarers themselves as they discuss what a fairer future would look like to them under the hashtag #FairFuture4Seafarers. Seafarers, we are listening – and we will make sure you are heard,” Mr. Lim added.
