Progress of the UAE BluePass initiative and milestones achieved

Since its launch in May 2023, the UAE BluePass initiative by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) has made significant progress. The platform has expanded to include more than 300 registered maritime companies and provides services to over 25,000 vessels.

Strategic partnerships with 12 key entities have been established, enhancing the platform’s credibility and trust. The UAE BluePass has successfully digitised port services and facilitated seamless connectivity between maritime stakeholders, fulfilling its goal of modernising business processes in the maritime sector. The UAE BluePass is expanding its scope to encompass multimodal logistics, including land, sea, and aviation.

This consolidation aims to support the UAE’s objectives by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and cost reduction through real-time tracking, optimisation, and automation. Collaborative efforts between government entities and the private sector are crucial for this success. The initiative is expected to improve the UAE’s rankings, mitigate risks, and increase scalability while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Key stakeholders in this endeavour include the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Economy, Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, General Civil Aviation Authority, and major port and logistics groups like AD Ports Group and DP World.

At the time, H.E. Eng. Hassan Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The maritime industry is one of the sectors that relies heavily on traditional methods and personal relationships in conducting business. This makes it difficult to acquire supplies and services required by maritime companies and merchant ships smoothly. This has led us to search for innovative solutions to facilitate business, reduce operational expenses, and avoid wasting time on supply operations.” Has the Blue Pass initiative achieved this? What examples can you provide of a more seamless customer journey?

The UAE BluePass initiative has effectively addressed the traditional, cumbersome processes in the maritime industry by introducing innovative digital solutions. These include digitised port services, real-time data on vessel activities, and a comprehensive marketplace platform. Examples of a more seamless customer journey include streamlined gate passes, shore leave processes, and inspections, which have significantly reduced operational expenses and time wasted on supply operations.

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This article is part of the Seatrade Maritime Middle East Report 2024