Sharjah, UAE – 04 November 2026 -- In conjunction with the International Day of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation, Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) hosted its 1st National Sustainability Competition, bringing together 115 students from 16 educational institutions across the UAE.
The competition featured 35 innovative projects from 13 higher education institutions and three schools, addressing environmental and industrial challenges through practical solutions in green shipping, smart ports, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, marine conservation and the circular economy.
Held under the theme "From Classroom Innovation to Real-World Sustainability: Empowering the Next Generation to Shape a Greener Future," the initiative aimed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while supporting the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The event was supported by Seatrade Maritime as Platinum Partner, reflecting the importance of industry–academia collaboration in advancing sustainability, fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of maritime and logistics professionals.
Participating institutions included Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, Higher Colleges of Technology, University of Sharjah, University of Dubai, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Amity University Dubai, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, University of Wollongong Dubai, and Sharjah Maritime Academy.
Three schools also participated: Ajman American Private School, International Indian School Abu Dhabi and JSS Private School.
The projects showcased emerging technologies and innovative approaches, including AI-powered ocean protection systems, marine debris collection robots, microplastic filtration, solar-powered maritime infrastructure, sustainable aquaculture and waste-to-energy solutions.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Hashim Abdullah Bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Chancellor of Sharjah Maritime Academy, said: "At Sharjah Maritime Academy, we believe that education must go beyond knowledge acquisition to empower students to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. By bringing together 115 students from across the UAE, this competition creates a platform where innovation meets industry expertise, encouraging the next generation to contribute to a more sustainable future. As we mark the International Day of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation, we reaffirm our commitment to preparing future leaders who understand that sustainability, innovation and responsible industry practices must advance together."
Alongside the competition, the event featured discussions bringing together academic leaders, maritime professionals and industry experts to explore sustainable logistics, supply chain resilience and the future of maritime transportation.
Mr. Ravi Shankar, FICS, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), Middle East, delivered the industry keynote address.
An expert panel brought together Dr. Shereen Nassar of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dr. Krishna Prasad, Managing Director of Aster Marine Cargo LLC, and Dr. Rafaela Bellini Panicker, Academic Dean. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Ferdoush Saleheen, Head of Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management at SMA.
The programme also featured a "Speed Fire Round: Maritime Industry Insights," bringing together Mr. Ravi Shankar and Ms. Emma Howell, Director of Content at Seatrade Maritime, Informa Markets EMEA, to discuss contemporary maritime industry challenges and future opportunities.
The competition demonstrated SMA's commitment to connecting academic knowledge with practical industry applications and encouraging students to develop solutions with meaningful environmental, economic and societal impact.
The event concluded with a student project showcase and awards ceremony recognising outstanding sustainability innovations.
Through this national initiative, Sharjah Maritime Academy further strengthened its role in maritime education, applied research, industry engagement and the development of future professionals equipped to address the evolving challenges of global supply chains and sustainable transportation.
