Technology group Wärtsilä and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy  have signed a Memorandum of Understanding  to address the challenges and provide solutions for the marine industries transition to sustainable operations. The partnership is designed to foster innovation and sustainability within the maritime industry. The MoU is effective for an initial five-year term, with options for amendment or extensions upon agreement by both parties.

“This collaboration would leverage Wärtsilä’s experience and expertise to deliver meaningful value to the marine industry. The partnership aims to yield significant environmental benefits, including improved training outcomes, enhanced operational efficiency, and progress towards decarbonisation goals across the UAE maritime sector,” stated Dr.Yasser Al Wahedi, President of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

The project establishes a formal framework for collaborating on decarbonisation targets, digitalisation goals, smart port solutions and maritime training in order to support the industry’s transition to sustainable operations. The Maritime Sustainability Research Centre Abu Dhabi (MSRCAD) will play an advisory and supporting role. As part of the collaborative activities, Wärtsilä will work closely with MSRCAD to provide advisory services and engage in joint projects, potentially expanding into government-to-government collaborations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

“This project reinforces Wärtsilä Marine’s commitment to driving decarbonisation and sustainability. By providing expert advisory services, engaging early in customer projects, and collaborating with government partners, we help shape the future of shipping. Our focus is on delivering energy-efficient solutions and promoting early involvement to accelerate sustainable practices across the maritime sector,” says John Sydney, Vice President of Sales, Wärtsilä Marine.