Abu Dhabi: The UAE is cementing its role as a regional maritime leader by launching the Green Recycling Yards project, introducing strict environmentally focused ship recycling laws surpassing EU standards, and investing heavily in maritime technology and workforce development to drive sustainable growth.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is firmly establishing itself as a maritime powerhouse through a comprehensive suite of pioneering initiatives and regulations that prioritise sustainability and innovation. Central to this ambition is the country’s proactive approach to marine environmental protection and the development of advanced maritime infrastructure and capabilities.
Among the UAE’s notable recent advancements is the introduction of the Green Recycling Yards project, launched by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure as part of a broader transformational agenda. This initiative is the first of its kind in the region, aimed at regulating offshore ship recycling operations while maintaining high standards of environmental safety. The project complements the ministry’s issuance of a detailed regulatory framework for ship dismantling, ensuring these processes are conducted safely and with stringent environmental protection measures, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in green maritime practices.
The country’s commitment to sustainable ship recycling is further underscored by the impending UAE Ship Recycling Regulations (UAE SRR), expected to be formally published this year. These regulations impose strict conditions requiring ship recycling activities to be carried out exclusively in dry docks or equivalent facilities equipped with impermeable flooring, thereby banning the environmentally harmful beaching and landing methods. This move exceeds current international standards, including those of the European Union, by not only forbidding beaching but also preventing the re-flagging of vessels to evade compliance, thereby closing loopholes used to circumvent responsible ship disposal practices. The regulations apply to UAE-flagged vessels as well as foreign ships destined for dismantling within the UAE, with exemptions for those under 500 gross tonnage and military vessels. These measures take effect in tandem with a wider overhaul of UAE maritime law, marking the first significant update in over four decades.
In parallel with its environmental efforts, the UAE is heavily investing in human capital and technological innovation. The establishment of specialised institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and the Sharjah Maritime Academy aims to cultivate a highly skilled national workforce trained to international standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This not only bolsters workforce efficiency but ensures Emirati professionals are prepared to lead the sector’s future development. Gender equality is also a cornerstone, demonstrated by the graduation of 497 officers and engineers — including 100 women — and leadership roles in initiatives like the Arab Women in Maritime Association.
Technological advancements have been embraced wholeheartedly, with the deployment of smart shipping models, automated navigation systems, and digital platforms such as Blue Pass, which integrates ship operators, ports, and service providers into a seamless operational network. Automation of port loading and unloading has accelerated operations while reducing emissions, contributing to the UAE’s environmental goals. The Zero Bureaucracy Programme has similarly streamlined maritime transactions, slashing processing times from one day to under an hour and drastically cutting the paperwork burden, achieving customer satisfaction rates exceeding 95 percent.
The UAE’s environmental stewardship extends beyond regulation and innovation. It has ratified numerous international conventions, including 35 key IMO instruments, contributing actively to shaping global maritime standards. Its sustainable policies align with broader strategies like the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, and international cooperation efforts such as the UK’s Green Shipping Corridor initiative launched at COP26, which aims to accelerate the shift towards low-emission maritime transport.
Integral to maintaining a resilient maritime sector, the UAE has established the Logistics Integration Council and the National Center for Maritime Navigation, which unify efforts across the federal maritime system, enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of the country’s extensive port network. Currently, UAE-operated ports span 78 countries, managing an annual container throughput exceeding 21 million units and contributing over AED 135 billion to the national GDP.
Looking ahead, the UAE will host the World Maritime Day Parallel Event in September 2025 under the banner “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” The event promises to spotlight initiatives facilitating maritime decarbonisation and advocating for sustainable technologies, underscoring the country’s commitment to a green and innovative maritime future.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect the UAE’s strategic aim to lead the maritime sector through a blend of stringent environmental governance, cutting-edge innovation, and capacity building, thereby reinforcing its status as a pivotal global maritime hub deeply committed to sustainable development.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://thenewsmill.com/2025/08/uae-cementing-its-leadership-in-maritime-sector-through-high-impact-local-projects/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/ship-recycling-regulations – The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is formulating the UAE Ship Recycling Regulations (UAE SRR), expected to be published this year. These regulations mandate that all ship recycling activities occur in dry docks or equivalent infrastructures with impermeable flooring, prohibiting beaching methods. The UAE SRR aims to promote responsible ship recycling practices within the country, aligning with stringent international standards for environmental and social governance. The regulations will apply to UAE-flagged ships and foreign ships intended for recycling in the UAE, excluding those under 500 gross tonnage and warships.
- https://www.worldports.org/uaes-new-ship-recycling-regulation-requires-a-dry-dock-or-equivalent-infrastructures-for-environmentally-sound-ship-recycling/ – The UAE’s new Ship Recycling Regulation (UAE SRR), effective from June 2025, requires ship recycling to take place in dry docks or equivalent infrastructures for environmentally sound practices. This regulation effectively bans the beaching and landing of UAE-flagged vessels and foreign vessels transiting through UAE waters en route to scrap yards. The UAE’s approach surpasses the EU Ship Recycling Regulation by prohibiting the landing method as practiced in Aliaga, Turkey, and bans re-flagging vessels for the purpose of scrapping them at non-compliant facilities.
- https://www.hilldickinson.com/insights/articles/green-ship-recycling-whats-new – The UAE is enacting a new maritime law, effective from 29 March 2024, which includes an updated and comprehensive ship recycling regulation explicitly prohibiting beaching activities. The regulation applies to all ships above 500 gross tonnage that are UAE-flagged and to foreign ships recycled in the UAE. UAE-flagged newbuilds will be required to have an onboard Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). Ships under this regulation must only be recycled in facilities approved by the UAE maritime administration, whether these are UAE or foreign yards.
- https://safety4sea.com/uae-ship-recycling-stricter-standards-and-comprehensive-compliance-measures/ – The UAE has issued guidelines regarding the UAE Ship Recycling Regulations (UAE SRR), imposing stricter requirements than the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) by prohibiting not only the beaching but also the landing method. It also prohibits changing the flag of a vessel with the intention of disposing of it in facilities that do not meet the regulations. The guidelines apply to ship recycling facilities operating in the UAE and to foreign ships of 500 gross tons and above calling at UAE ports.
- https://www.offshore-energy.biz/uae-bans-ship-beaching-in-new-recycling-regulation/ – The UAE is introducing a comprehensive ship recycling regulation aimed at curbing environmentally harmful practices and promoting responsible ship ownership. The UAE Ship Recycling Regulation (UAE SRR) explicitly prohibits beaching and landing activities, emphasizing the need for high-standard recycling facilities. The new regulations come into effect concurrently with the enforcement of the revamped UAE maritime law on 29 March 2024, marking a significant overhaul after 42 years.
- https://maritime-professionals.com/uae-towards-sustainable-ship-recycling/ – The UAE’s new Ship Recycling Regulation requires a dry dock or equivalent infrastructures for environmentally sound ship recycling. Set to take effect from June 2025, this legislation effectively bans the beaching and landing of UAE-flagged vessels as well as all foreign vessels leaving or transiting through UAE waters en route to scrap yards. The UAE’s new rules surpass the EU Ship Recycling Regulation by banning the landing method as practiced in Aliaga, Turkey, and prohibit the re-flagging of vessels for the purpose of scrapping them at beaching or landing facilities.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was published on August 2, 2025, and references the UAE Ship Recycling Regulation (UAE SRR) effective from June 26, 2025. The UAE SRR was introduced in December 2023 and became effective on June 26, 2025. ([offshore-energy.biz](https://www.offshore-energy.biz/uae-bans-ship-beaching-in-new-recycling-regulation/?utm_source=openai)) The Green Recycling Yards project was launched by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure as part of a broader transformational agenda. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes a direct quote from Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. A search for the earliest known usage of this quote did not yield any matches, suggesting it may be original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
4
Notes:
The narrative originates from The News Mill, a news outlet that does not appear to have a significant online presence or reputation. This raises concerns about the reliability and credibility of the information presented. The report includes a direct quote from Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. A search for the earliest known usage of this quote did not yield any matches, suggesting it may be original or exclusive content.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative presents detailed information about the UAE’s maritime initiatives, including the Green Recycling Yards project and the UAE SRR. However, the lack of coverage from other reputable outlets and the obscure nature of the source raise questions about the authenticity and accuracy of the claims. The report includes a direct quote from Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. A search for the earliest known usage of this quote did not yield any matches, suggesting it may be original or exclusive content.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents detailed information about the UAE’s maritime initiatives, including the Green Recycling Yards project and the UAE SRR. However, the lack of coverage from other reputable outlets and the obscure nature of the source raise questions about the authenticity and accuracy of the claims. The report includes a direct quote from Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. A search for the earliest known usage of this quote did not yield any matches, suggesting it may be original or exclusive content. Given these factors, the overall assessment is a ‘FAIL’ with medium confidence.
