The Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), DP World and Dubai Maritime City have joined together in an environmental awareness campaign titled “Save Our Harbor”, to enhance environmental awareness, promote best practices for protecting the marine environment, and reduce pollution in port waters
The campaign focused on raising awareness among maritime sector personnel about the risks of marine pollution resulting from oil waste, hazardous chemical waste, and contaminated wastewater. It also emphasised the importance of complying with approved environmental procedures, implementing proper waste management practices, and ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials.
As part of the campaign, joint field visits and inspection activities were conducted by Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Maritime City, covering around 18 vessels at a ship repair yard, to verify that no sewage or contaminated water was being discharged into port waters and to ensure compliance with approved environmental requirements.
Captain Ibrahim AlBlooshi, executive director of Dubai Ports Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said, “The ‘Keep Our Ports Clean’ campaign reflects our commitment to enhancing environmental awareness among all stakeholders in the maritime sector and unifying efforts to maintain a safe and sustainable marine environment in line with international best practices. The campaign also highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration among relevant entities in supporting environmental sustainability and ensuring the continuity of maritime operations in an efficient and responsible manner”.
He added that the campaign adopts an innovative digital awareness approach, enabling participants to scan a QR code to access digital educational materials, including illustrations and simplified content explaining potential sources of pollution, preventive measures, and the regulations and procedures established by Dubai Ports Authority to protect port waters from contamination.
AlBlooshi further stressed that protecting the marine environment is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders operating within the maritime sector. He noted that Dubai Ports Authority continues to develop environmental and awareness initiatives in line with international best practices, contributing to the sustainability of maritime operations and enhancing environmental quality across Dubai’s ports.
The campaign was implemented with the participation of experts from Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai Maritime City, and DP World’s Health, Safety and Environment Department, as well as marine service providers, personnel working in shipbuilding and repair yards, and vessel crew members.