UAE Ministry Of Energy And Infrastructure Launches ‘Salmeen’ Initiative For Seafarers

Salmeen aims to cater to the needs of seafarers, one of the most essential pillars of the maritime industry. The initiative contributes toward enhancing the quality of life for these seafarers and mitigating the challenges they encounter due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions.

As a primary logistics center, the UAE connects the global shipping lines and receives the largest number of vessels that head toward the major Indian ports with more than 21,000 vessels annually. More than 27,000 international as well as local international maritime firms work in the UAE with over 17 million containers tackled annually at the UAE ports.

The achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of several thousand seafarers who reach the UAE waters on vessels from all over the world. Considering this, Salmeen presents a holistic framework that includes the Ministry’s achievements in improving the quality of life, within the UAE Government excellence system to care for and support the seafarers. The impact goes beyond the UAE, to the world linked by global trade based on the maritime sector and its hero seafarers.

The Minister of Energy & Infrastructure added that Salmeen will strengthen the UAE’s position as one of the leading nations that cater to protecting the fundamental rights of seafarers, especially in circumstances where they play a crucial role in facing the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy. Owing to their role in the Ministry and responsibility to place legislations and implement laws related to the maritime sector while making sure compliance is met and implementation of such laws is facilitated, they made sure that the legal system serves seafarers who contribute significantly to achieving the economic advancements of the UAE. The most recent achievement was the Cabinet’s decision on marine debris and violating vessels that oblige all vessels flying the UAE flag or sailing in its waters to respect the rights of seafarers and cater to their requirements.

Key Pillars

The key pillars of the initiative aim to open the door for seafarers to receive the optimum support they need. This includes advanced medical care, quality maritime education, extensive training to develop and nurture professional capabilities and the identification and removal of social and physical obstacles through cooperation between the private and public sectors. This promotes empowering ‘Our Blue Army’ that looks at enhancing the impact of seafarers in the maritime industry to inspire newer generations.
The Salmeen initiative will make ship owners and maritime firms responsible to support seafarers and provide them protection. The Ministry now has in place an ongoing monitoring system to look into the implementation of laws and initiatives. Seafarers work round the clock to boost business continuity and facilitate seaborne trade in the country. Such an initiative is aimed at recognizing their dedication to providing service in all circumstances.

References: ZAWYA, Trade Arabia