The Maldives Maritime Journal (MMJ) concluded a Gala dinner last night at the Manhattan Business Hotel. The event brought together key industry figures and stakeholders in the Maldivian maritime sector
The gala dinner featured a panel discussion with distinguished speakers, including Mr Thaha Mohamed, Chief Commercial Officer of MSS; Captain Saeed, a seasoned maritime professional; and Ms Aminath Shimla, Chief Learning & Development Officer at MPL.
During the panel discussion, a wide range of critical topics were explored, including infrastructure improvements to support safer and more efficient inter-island shipping, strengthening regional cooperation in maritime safety and environmental protection, the opportunities and challenges of multiple terminal operators in the Maldives, and the role of digital technologies such as automation, smart ports, and tracking systems in shaping the future of shipping.
The panel also addressed ways to enhance maritime education and training to meet global standards, the transition toward low- or zero-emission vessels, strategies to mitigate the impact of global trade disruptions like those seen in the Red Sea crisis, improving gender diversity and inclusion in the sector, and policies to encourage private-sector investment in maritime innovation.
The discussion was followed by an address from Captain Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Minister of State at the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. In his speech, he described the ocean as both the highway and identity of the Maldivian people. He further emphasised that the Maldives is a 100% blue economy nation, carrying with it the obligation to safeguard and protect the ocean.
The World Maritime Day theme for 2025, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, reflects the ocean’s vital role in the world economy, with more than 80% of global trade transported by sea.
