Dubai Ports Authority joins “Keep Our Ports” campaign to tackle harbour pollution
Dubai Ports Authority joins “Keep Our Ports” campaign with DP World and Dubai Maritime City to curb port water pollution via inspections and better waste management.
Dubai Ports Authority has taken a leading role in the “Keep Our Ports” campaign, working with DP World and Dubai Maritime City to raise awareness and reduce pollution in Dubai’s port waters. The initiative targets oil residues, hazardous chemical waste and contaminated discharge while promoting adherence to environmental procedures across the maritime sector. Officials said the campaign combines public outreach with on-site inspections to strengthen waste handling and bolster the sustainability of Dubai’s ports.
Joint campaign partners and objectives
The campaign was launched as a coordinated effort by Dubai Ports Authority, which operates under the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, with strategic support from DP World and Dubai Maritime City. Its stated objective is to instill best practices for preserving the marine environment and preventing contamination of harbour waters. Organisers emphasised that raising worker awareness and reinforcing accepted environmental processes are central to achieving measurable reductions in port pollution.
On-the-ground inspections at ship repair yards
Field visits and joint inspection drives formed a core part of the campaign, with teams examining vessels in ship repair basins to verify compliance. Inspectors focused on shipboard waste management, the handling of oily residues and the containment of hazardous materials during maintenance activities. Authorities reported that these targeted checks help identify high-risk operations and provide immediate corrective guidance to reduce marine discharge incidents.
Priority issues: oil, chemicals and wastewater
Campaign messaging concentrated on three primary pollution risks: oil and fuel residues, hazardous chemical waste and contaminated sewage or bilge water. Organisers urged maritime workers to follow approved procedures for segregation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials to prevent accidental releases. The initiative also promoted safer handling protocols and documented reporting channels to ensure any spillage or irregular discharge is quickly contained and remediated.
Leadership statement on sustainability and competitiveness
Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, framed the campaign as part of the authority’s environmental commitments. He said protecting harbour waters is a strategic priority that supports the long-term sustainability of the maritime sector and reinforces Dubai’s competitiveness as a leading global maritime hub. The authority described the campaign as an effort to embed a culture of shared responsibility among port operators, ship crews and shore-based service providers.
Training, awareness and industry engagement
Beyond inspections, the campaign encompassed awareness activities aimed at workers across the marine supply chain, including shore-side technicians and vessel crews. Organisers stressed the importance of ongoing training in safe waste handling, emergency response and regulatory compliance to reduce the risk of pollution during routine and repair operations. Industry representatives were invited to participate in briefings and to adopt standardised waste-management practices that align with local and international environmental expectations.
Safety officers and port managers said the combined approach of education and enforcement is intended to produce sustainable behavioural change rather than one-off compliance. They indicated that consistent monitoring and clear operational guidance are likely to yield fewer incidents, lower clean-up costs and improved environmental performance across port facilities.
The campaign also sought to clarify responsibilities for hazardous material disposal and to streamline reporting protocols so incidents are logged and resolved promptly. Officials highlighted that transparent incident records and corrective measures contribute to a safer maritime environment and to the long-term reputation of Dubai’s ports.
The “Keep Our Ports” campaign represents a coordinated push by Dubai’s maritime authorities and industry partners to reduce pollution risks and protect port waters. By pairing targeted inspections with worker education and stronger waste-management practices, the initiative aims to preserve marine resources while sustaining the operational edge of Dubai’s maritime sector.
Protecting port waters remains a shared obligation for port operators, shipping companies and repair yards, and authorities said the campaign will continue to guide and monitor industry performance to ensure cleaner, safer harbours for the future.