Aqaba Hosts 9Th Jordanian Maritime Day, Addressing Sector Challenges And Ambitions

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 17 (Petra) - - Jordan's maritime sector convened today in Aqaba for the Ninth Jordanian Maritime Day, themed "Jordanian Maritime Sector – Challenges and Ambitions."
Omar Al-Dabbas, Director General of the Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC) and representative for the Minister of Transport, inaugurated the event, which drew broad participation from public and private maritime stakeholders.
The forum serves as a strategic platform to assess the maritime sector's current state and define future priorities, underscoring its vital role in the national economy given that over 90% of global trade moves by sea.
Discussions focused on challenges and opportunities in maritime navigation, including security, geopolitical shifts, and digital transformation in port management.
The event also aimed to foster collaboration among national public and private entities and academic institutions to develop maritime policies, legislation, and elevate safety and environmental standards through international best practices.
Key objectives include delivering actionable recommendations, advancing maritime education and training to align Jordanian expertise with global market demands, and reinforcing Aqaba's standing as a strategic port and the Kingdom's sole maritime gateway, bolstering its status as a regional logistics hub.
Attendees included Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), along with representatives from the Royal Jordanian Naval Force, port operators, professional associations, and specialized training institutions.
ASEZA Chief Commissioner Al-Majali emphasized that maritime navigation is a pillar of the national economy and a key driver of trade.
He highlighted Aqaba's unique logistical and strategic attributes, which position it as a potential regional hub for global transport, despite its limited sea frontage. Al-Majali stressed ASEZA's belief that sector development hinges on genuine public-private partnerships and continuous coordination for sustained growth and operational efficiency.
JMC Director General Al-Dabbas stated that the conference reflects a deep awareness of the maritime sector's critical role in national economic security and as a vital component of cross-border supply chains and trade. He noted its essential contribution to achieving blue economy goals and sustainable growth within the Economic Modernization Vision, launched under King Abdullah II.
Al-Dabbas underscored that modern ports are economic ecosystems influencing food security, energy transition, and regional connectivity. He added that the JMC collaborates with national bodies to refine legislation, enhance personnel efficiency, and implement data-driven management.
Al-Dabbas identified significant challenges, including climate change, rising transport costs, and technological modernization, calling for a comprehensive, collaborative public-private approach. He asserted Aqaba's potential, given its strategic location, to become a regional maritime and logistics center serving national and regional interests.
The Ninth Maritime Day's core objective, he emphasized, is to formalize an executable national maritime roadmap to boost Jordan's competitiveness and reinforce its active role in global maritime navigation.
The day featured two panel discussions. The first, "Navigation in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Before and After the War," included participants from the Jordan Navigation Syndicate, the Royal Naval Force and Royal Boats Command, Aqaba Ports Management and Operations Company, and the Jordanian Logistics Syndicate.
The second, "Maritime Education and Training," featured the Jordan Maritime Commission, the Jordanian Academy for Maritime Studies, and the Aqaba Center for Maritime Education and Training, discussing challenges in developing maritime competencies and enhancing training quality.
Practical recommendations to boost the sector's competitiveness and attract investment were presented. Al-Dabbas concluded by honoring contributing organizations.

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