United Arab Emirates News

UAE launches initiative for maritime satellite tracking

MoEI and MBRSC Collaborate to Monitor Vessels, Improve Maritime Safety, and Support Sustainable Development

UAE Launches Satgate Maritime Satellite Tracking Project to Enhance Security and Sustainability

The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) have embarked on an ambitious maritime tracking project named Satgate. This initiative aims to enhance maritime security and achieve several other objectives critical to the nation’s maritime infrastructure.

In a recent release, the MoEI detailed the goals of the Satgate project, emphasizing the creation of a comprehensive database of ships that call at UAE ports. This database will significantly enhance the UAE’s ability to monitor maritime activities and strengthen partnerships with space and satellite agencies worldwide. By expanding satellite coverage, the project aims to improve the monitoring of maritime traffic, ensuring better oversight and management of ships operating in the region.

A key feature of the Satgate initiative is its ability to track vessels that are not connected to conventional tracking systems. Many ships use Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to broadcast their position, but these can be turned off, making vessels effectively invisible to traditional tracking methods. The new satellite system developed under Satgate will address this gap, enabling authorities to track such vessels and enhance maritime security.

The primary objective of the Satgate initiative is to safeguard the UAE’s maritime facilities and coastal regions. This initiative is expected to provide substantial benefits to maritime institutions and other entities involved in the regulation and protection of marine traffic. By leveraging advanced technology, the UAE aims to improve its tracking systems, which will, in turn, enhance maritime transport safety and mitigate associated risks. These improvements are anticipated to boost trade and transport traffic through UAE ports, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global maritime hub.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the broader impact of the Satgate project. “Improving our tracking systems using advanced technology will enhance maritime transport and mitigate risks, which will contribute to increasing trade and transport traffic through UAE ports,” he stated. Al Mazrouei also emphasized the dual economic and environmental benefits of innovations in the maritime sector. “Innovations in the maritime sector do not only benefit the economy but also help us to achieve sustainable development through preserving and developing the marine environment,” he added.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, the chair of MBRSC, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the Satgate project will also play a crucial role in monitoring weather and marine conditions. This capability is vital for ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations, further underscoring the comprehensive approach of the initiative.

Overall, the Satgate project represents a significant step forward in the UAE’s efforts to enhance maritime security, support sustainable development, and solidify its status as a key player in global maritime trade. By integrating cutting-edge satellite technology with robust data management and international collaboration, the UAE is poised to achieve substantial improvements in maritime oversight and environmental stewardship.

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