Khorfakkan, UAE – 01 July 2026 – Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA), in collaboration with the Women in Shipping and Trading Association – UAE (WISTAUAE), hosted a panel discussion titled "Maritime Resilience in Times of Crisis: Operational Challenges and Strategic Responses." The event brought together leading experts from academia, global shipping, and maritime law to examine how the industry can strengthen resilience amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and operational landscape.
Moderated by Giuseppe Saieva, Director of Training and Commercial Development at Sharjah Maritime Academy, the panel featured Dr. Ferdoush Saleheen, Head of Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management at SMA, Rania Tadros, Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP and President of WISTA UAE, and Andrew Jaini, Managing Director of V.Ships UK Abu Dhabi and Director of Offshore Crewing (Global) at V.Group.
The discussion explored the lessons the maritime industry has learned from recent global crises and how these experiences have enhanced preparedness and operational resilience. Panelists highlighted the importance of balancing business continuity with the welfare of seafarers, while addressing the evolving legal landscape and its role in responding to current regional hostilities and safeguarding international maritime trade.
A key focus of the session was the resilience of global supply chains and the UAE's ability to maintain un interrupted logistics operations and the efficient movement of essential goods despite ongoing international disruptions. The discussion also examined the strategic priorities required to strengthen long-term resilience, including investment in digitalisation, collaboration across the maritime ecosystem, sustainable practices, and agile decision-making.
The panel further considered theinteraction between common law and civil law systems in addressing maritimedisputes and crisis management, underscoring the importance of legal certaintyand international cooperation in maintaining confidence across global shippingnetworks.
Commenting on the event, Dr. Hashim AlZaabi, Chancellor of Sharjah Maritime Academy, said:
"Building resilience is no longeroptional for the maritime sector.. It is fundamental to ensuring the continuityof global trade and the sustainability of our industry. Through dialogue withindustry leaders and legal experts, Sharjah Maritime Academy remains committedto preparing future maritime professionals to navigate uncertainty withknowledge, innovation, and collaboration."
The event reflects Sharjah Maritime Academy's commitment to fostering dialogue on emerging maritime challenges while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to support a resilient and sustainable global maritime sector.
