Abu dhabi: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and Abu Dhabi Maritime to streamline and accelerate the issuance of permits for wireless devices on marine vessels in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, this collaboration is part of a joint effort to enhance the efficiency of government services, simplify procedures for vessel owners, and enable the maritime sector to keep pace with digital transformation while strengthening its competitiveness regionally and globally.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and representatives of the participating entities. The agreement was signed by Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA, Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of ITC, and Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, Abu Dhabi Maritime CEO and AD Ports Group Chief Sustainability Officer; reflecting the parties' commitment to institutional integration and unified efforts for developing mechanisms for issuing wireless device permits for marine vessels.
Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Maritime, in coordination with the ITC, will oversee the issuance and renewal of permits for wireless devices and link them to the navigational licenses granted to marine vessels, acting on behalf of the TDRA.
The agreement outlines the complementary roles and responsibilities of the three parties to ensure the cooperation framework is implemented efficiently and transparently. ITC is responsible for coordinating efforts among the parties, monitoring performance, and reviewing and assessing reports to share outputs with partners, supporting the agreement's objectives and strengthening institutional integration among the relevant entities.
The TDRA will manage technical oversight and train Abu Dhabi Maritime personnel on handling and issuing wireless device permit applications. It will also provide the necessary technical support and supply data and statistics on licensed marine vessels in Abu Dhabi while managing spectrum frequencies and the technical specifications of devices licensed for use on marine vessels.
Abu Dhabi Maritime will furnish TDRA with regularly updated data on marine vessels and the wireless devices installed on them, and will collect and remit fees due to TDRA as per the applicable legal frameworks, ensuring seamless operations and enhancing the efficiency of maritime licensing services in the Emirate.
The agreement also demonstrates the parties' commitment to continually developing the Emirate's maritime infrastructure and boosting its operational efficiency, solidifying Abu Dhabi's status as an advanced maritime capital that supports the sustainability and prosperity of the sector.
This strategic step towards enhancing maritime safety and security aims to build a smart, sustainable navigational environment in Abu Dhabi's waters. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision for comprehensive digital transformation by adopting innovative technological solutions that facilitate government services and simplify procedures for customers, while advancing the sector's digital infrastructure and enhancing its operational performance.