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The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and Abu Dhabi Maritime Launch MARSDNA An Innovative ESG Advancement Tool

· MARSDNA is poised to accelerate the implementation of sustainable practices in the Abu Dhabi maritime sector.

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), are pleased to launch MARSDNA, an innovative tool developed by Maqta Technologies Group to support maritime sector stakeholders in their work to achieve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

This unique digital mechanism with an intuitive user journey allows maritime businesses and organisations to measure their standing on national and international ESG metrics, and provides near-instant, bespoke recommendations to strengthen their efforts.

MARSDNA invites users to complete a free questionnaire available on both the Abu Dhabi Maritime website. It uses the responses to grade users’ ESG progress and generate a comprehensive, downloadable report connecting them to additional information and outlining their path to greater success.

For Abu Dhabi Mobility and Abu Dhabi Maritime, MARSDNA, an acronym for ‘Maritime Sustainability DNA’ that recalls the Arabic word for observatory, represents a

breakthrough achievement that greatly advances their work to promote sustainable practices.

By consolidating information from numerous ESG standards, including metrics from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the International Maritime Organization, into a zero-cost and engaging instrument, MARSDNA simplifies ESG tracking and makes it accessible to organisations of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises who might otherwise lack the means to develop their own sustainability strategies, as well as larger entities looking to improve or accelerate existing ESG programmes.

In its first rollout phase, MARSDNA focuses on five key segments across the maritime sector value chain: shipping companies, port and terminal operators, freight forwarders and cargo beneficiaries, marine and off-shore services, and marina operators. Subsequent phases will expand the tool’s scope, eventually encompassing the whole of the maritime sector.

Abu Dhabi Mobility affirmed that the launch of MARSDNA, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime, reflects its ongoing commitment to achieving sustainability goals and supporting environmental, social, and governance initiatives within the maritime sector, as MARSDNA contributes to enhancing sustainability practices. It was also emphasised that MARSDNA serves as a strong enabler of progress in the maritime sector, providing interactive capabilities that allow companies of all sizes to access specialised guidance to develop sustainable strategies aligned with best environmental and social practices.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, added: “We are proud to introduce MARSDNA, a pioneering tool with the potential to revolutionise ESG initiatives in our sector. By empowering local organisations with the resources and strategic framework they need to make meaningful

gains in sustainability, we can uplift the whole of our maritime community, foster innovation, and set a global standard for progress. I look forward to seeing MARSDNA in action and to hearing how our partners apply its recommendations.”

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Maqta Technologies Group and Digital Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “MARSDNA exemplifies AD Ports Group’s dedication to championing sustainable development through world-class digital solutions. Digitalisation is a potent force in driving collective progress, helping users conceptualise and achieve environmental objectives. MARSDNA will help Abu Dhabi unlock its potential to become a global leader in maritime sustainability.”

Whether they are kickstarting their ESG journey or looking to build upon an existing strategy, maritime sector stakeholders can take advantage of MARSDNA by visiting https://marsdna.admaritime.ae/.

Operating under AD Ports Group in coordination with the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Abu Dhabi Mobility, Abu Dhabi Maritime safeguards the emirate’s waterways and nurtures the development of its maritime sector. With a particular focus on sustainability, it works to elevate the emirate’s status as a leading global maritime hub.