Environment & Energy | Monday 23 March, 2015 12:00 am |

In an effort to discuss the most important developments in the maritime sector and current challenges facing it, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) recently organized a technical workshop in collaboration with Emirates Classification Society “Tasneef” in order to review Tasneef’s policies and strategies to develop the maritime sector, achieve safety and security, and discuss future collaboration between the two parties.
The workshop included several discussions, such as: Tasneef’s progress, strategic goals and future procedures; in addition to a comprehensive discussion about the implementation of safety regulations for ships not covered by international maritime treaties in the GCC countries (known as the GCC Code). Participants shared their views and opinions on newly emerging issues such as the impact of maritime accidents on the ecosystem, the need to adhere to legal frameworks and closely examined regulatory controls, and the local market’s demand for highly qualified personnel in the maritime sector.
During his opening statement, Al-Hebsi expressed his happiness on attending and participating in the workshop saying, “Tasneef started in 2012 with only 4 members who possessed a great deal of ambition and today we have succeeded in attracting the best caliber in the industry whether we are talking about engineers, experts or marine surveyors. This is a confirmation of the trust we have gained through adhering to maritime standards, and the maintenance of ships and ports in accordance with international maritime standards. This is what owners, operators and investors need in this vital sector to contribute towards developing the local economy and take advantage of the UAE’s advanced infrastructure.”
Al-Hebsi mentioned how Tasneef’s strategy lies in forming a core for building a comprehensive and integrated maritime economy. In a short period of time, Tasneef was able to become one of the leading classification societies in the UAE, the Gulf and the Arab region as a whole, resulting in it receiving the “Contribution to the Development of the Regional Maritime Sector Award” at the Annual Sea-trade Maritime Awards 2014 for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa; the “The Maritime Standard Personality of the Year” award at the Maritime Standard 2014 Awards, and the “Newsmaker of the Year” award at the Lloyds 2014 Awards.
Maritime Developments
Several senior attendees commented on the importance of having the “Emirates Center for Maritime Arbitration”. Eng. Omar Abu Omar, Chief Operating Officer at Tasneef emphasized that the center represents a quality addition of vital importance in the context of efforts aiming towards providing the highest degrees of diversity and renovation in the development of a maritime community. Abu Omar also addressed the major challenges facing the maritime sector in the UAE and the region in terms of adapting to new trends and changing patterns of trade barriers such as the expansion of the ship-building industry along with declining demand, lower oil prices, monitoring the country’s ports, maritime finance sector and insurance companies, and media awareness.
With regards to the “GCC Code”, Abu Omar confirmed Tasneef’s commitment to the implementation of all laws, regulations and international maritime conventions relating to safety and security at sea, the protection of the marine environment, and maintaining a safe, clean and healthy ecosystem. He further clarified saying, “With the current economic growth witnessed by the region, it is usual that its waters become susceptible to ships that don’t comply with maritime safety regulations either due to ship owners’ neglection or because they don’t have the necessary resources to comply with these standards.”
Tasneef and ADNOC Potential Cooperation
Al-Hebsi pointed out that elements of success in the maritime sector come through strategic partnerships and implementing leading technologies. “I believe in the significance of the cooperation with a leading entity such as ADNOC, as Tasneef is fully qualified and equipped with expertise and has the ability to provide all classification services, maritime consulting and the management of maritime projects for ADNOC.” said Al-Hebsi
While Al-Qubaisi said, “We are proud to have a maritime classification society carrying the UAE flag and we wish Tasneef everlasting success and we are ready to cooperate with Tasneef and provide all means of support to it in order to develop the maritime sector.”
In conclusion, Al-Hebsi considered ADNOC workshop a great opportunity to measure achievements, progress and future cooperation saying “I would like to thank everyone who attended for their kind participation in the workshop as we will be working hand in hand in order to improve the maritime industry in the UAE and to lead it together towards international excellence.”

About Tasneef
Tasneef also known as Emirates Classification Society was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The main activity is the Classification of ships and offshore platforms. Tasneef is already a member of the Dubai Council for Marine & Maritime Industries, which is an umbrella body promoting the interests of the industry. On 12/12/2012 Tasneef and Italian Classification Society RINA, signed a service agreement that established three years of strategic partnership to assist Tasneef in development of classification services. The short term objective of Tasneef is to obtain the recognition of the flag administrations of all GCC and surrounding countries and its long term objective is to join the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Tasneef offers certification services in Ship Classification, Statutory Services, Certification of Materials and Components, Maritime and Naval Advisory, and Training.
About ADNOC
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was established to operate in all areas of the oil and gas industry and since then has steadily broadened its activity in establishing companies and subsidiaries and creating an integrated oil and gas industry in the fields of exploration and production, support services, oil refining and gas processing, chemicals and petrochemicals, maritime transportation and refined products and distribution. During the past four decades, ADNOC has expanded its business activities, enhanced its competitive position and so managed to become one of the world’s leading oil companies with substantial business interests in upstream and downstream activities, including transportation, shipping, marketing and distribution.