Abu Dhabi launches a new ESG tool for the maritime sector
The most prominent step Abu Dhabi has taken forward to advance the sustainability of the maritime industry is launching a new tool called MARSDNA. It is a new tool developed in collaboration with Maqta Technologies Group, Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and Abu Dhabi Maritime. The new tool targets improvement on the ESG performance of businesses in the maritime sector, including shipping companies, port operators, and marine service providers.
The tool, therefore, offers businesses a comprehensive framework through which assessments can be done to improve on sustainability practices. A company’s ability to implement MARSDNA begins with the inputting of an online questionnaire. Through the initial inputs, the tool then assesses what is currently ongoing with regard to the ESG standing of said company, not deviating far from international norms like the SDGs and specific IMO metrics set forth. It concludes by recommending, once the review is completed that MARSDNA recommends actions to promote sustainability practice with specific actions to enhance business operations in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. It is particularly useful to SMEs who lack in terms of resources and the kind of expertise necessary to develop and implement sustainability strategies. The kind of platform MARSDNA provides levels the playing field, making it easier for smaller companies to adapt to the effective ESG practices without investing much or much expertise.
It focuses on all sizes of enterprises involved in the maritime industry. Stage one covers five broad categories: shipping lines, port and terminal operators, freight forwarders, cargo beneficiaries, maritime and offshore services providers, and marine operators. The above are the primary players involved in the maritime supply chain. Enhancing the sustainability performance of the above stakeholders will lead to general environmental objectives being met. MARSDNA is an important step forward for Abu Dhabi in the development of becoming a global leader for the maritime sustainability of oceans. It is also a strong tool that helps upgrade ESG performance locally, thereby bringing new standards in a sustainable sector that will be followed by every level and on this planet. The instrument benefits not only the individual firm but also wider maritime society at large by enabling innovation and coordination among the diverse stakeholders in this industry.
MARSDNA provides a user-friendly interface that carries interactive functionality to enable businesses to access advisory services customized with respect to their sustainability practices. Companies can, therefore, devise long-term solutions to reduce the impacts of the environment through best environmental, social, and governance practices of business strategies. This gives the business more power to carry out their quest for sustainability. The recommendations coming from the tool are action-based and step-by-step, hence making companies aware of improvements in practice. It is essential to the maritime industry where sustainability factors matter more and more to stakeholders, investors, and customers.
Sustainability practices have gained great momentum in most industries worldwide. With the change of time, this maritime sector too has to come out with increased responsibility and an environmentalist character. The provision of clear structure by MARSDNA for improvement of business houses in their ESG performance would help in ensuring the continued competitiveness of the Abu Dhabi maritime industry in the world market while it would support more prominent goals on sustainability. This is part of a much bigger effort Abu Dhabi Mobility and Abu Dhabi Maritime are making to encourage sustainable business practices throughout the economy. This is reflected in the maritime industry, where the government supports businesses through resources and training, among other things and this new tool, MARSDNA, will further help in their pursuit towards embracing sustainability.
MARSDNA brings Abu Dhabi further into innovation for the maritime industry. The emirate is positioned further as the future for a greener new world by allowing companies to take data-driven decisions that fit the pattern of global sustainability standards. Although, so far MARSDNA focused on few segments of maritime and is very much likely to reach out in subsequent days with several segments to aid all businesses as a whole, that are yet required to show higher commitment towards sustainable development, something like MARSDNA would support business organizations all the more with their ESG goals.
Conclusion:MARSDNA launch will be an essential step toward the motivation of sustainability by Abu Dhabi within the maritime sector. The tool will ensure the sector evolves alongside global trends towards sustainability, giving businesses access to the resources and tools that will enable assessment and improvement in ESG performance. Focus on collaboration, innovation, and access makes MARSDNA very pivotal in making big changes both for Abu Dhabi as well as, in larger measures, across maritime sectors.
Source: Abu Dhabi Maritime