FTA enables emergency services in UAE waters

(Posted on 30/06/20)

The Federal Transport Authority (FTA) - Land & Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (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 United Arab Emirates.

The MOU signing 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. The 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.

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 on Sunday 21 June, and was attended by Engineer Ahmed Mohamed Sharif Al Khoori, Director General of the Federal Transport Authority, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports.

Engineer Ahmed Mohamed Sharif Al Khoori, said: “Our MOU with Abu Dhabi Ports is a major step in upgrading the standards of health and safety in the UAE’s maritime sector, and reaffirms our commitment to forge a future that places our nation 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 United Arab Emirates.

“Our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports and SAFEEN reflects our commitment to build advanced national capabilities in conducting high-quality rescue and emergency operations, while adhering to the highest standards of maritime safety and international best practices.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “We are honoured to partner with the FTA in delivering on the Government’s overall strategic vision for this important sector of our economy. This agreement is a testament to Abu Dhabi Ports and SAFEEN’s capability in providing maritime services nationwide and marks an important moment in the development of the UAE’s maritime industry.

“The terms of our accord reflect the spirit of good will that exists between our two parties as we seek to engage and collaborate in innovative ways that serve to further protect our marine environment’s precious resources, while also enhancing the safety of our nation’s territorial waters as well as the security of all our ports.”

Latest News

Antwerp-Bruges stands firm as geopolitical forces reshape trade flows

In the first half of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo, a... Read more

PD Ports announce Paul Foreman as new CEO

PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port and logistics businesses, announced today that Paul Foreman... Read more

New San Diego bulk sugar import facility to use only electric trucks

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved an Option to Lease Agreement and authorised... Read more

Expanded partnership through bulk infrastructure development at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more

Port of Hamburg strengthens partnership with China

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and SPG Qingdao Port Group have signed a Port Partnership Agreement... Read more

Contract awarded for Pilbara Ports Zone 5 Bypass Channel

The Cook Labor Government in Australia has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul ... Read more

Netherlands Parliamentary rules out Maasvlakte II as location for new nuclear power plants

A parliamentary letter in the Netherlands on the selection of a site for the construction of two new... Read more

SSAB’s port operations in Raahe develop safety together with ESL Shipping

The long-term safety cooperation between ESL Shipping and the port of SSAB’s Raahe site is visible... Read more

Liverpool sees 200% rise in fertiliser imports interest amid ongoing uncertainty

The Port of Liverpool is experiencing a surge in demand from fertiliser importers as continued uncertainty... Read more

PD Ports strengthens Teesport bulk handling with £5.4m crane investment

PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of... Read more