Tasneef Prioritizes Emiratization To Enhance UAE Maritime

Emirates Classification Society (TASNEEF) has rapidly progressed in less than a decade to establish itself as a leading classification society in the region. Tasneef has successfully accomplished this by relentlessly prioritizing the best interest of its clients, implementing its expertise across the local maritime sector, and uplifting young UAE caliber.

“Improving our clients’ safety, as well as their environmental and business performance, has always been at the forefront of our agenda,” stated Eng. Saeed AlMaskari, CEO of Tasneef. He continued, “This, along with the assimilation of ambitious UAE Nationals within our infrastructure, is what the strength of Tasneef is built on. Those driven individuals exemplify the appeal of working within our classification society, and serve as benchmarks for up-and-coming youth who aspire to integrate themselves within the framework of maritime on local and international levels. Furthermore, our reliable reputation within the industry is the byproduct willingly grooming such individuals, and consistently delivering our expertise and activities across maritime classification, ISO certification, safety inspection and training.”

Renowned Maritime Stature

In 2012, Tasneef became the first national classification society in the UAE, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Arab world. Tasneef has since pursued an active role in enhancing maritime and been successful in their endeavors as they are now the preeminent classification society in the UAE. Tying their service offering to prominent companies in the region has significantly contributed to this success.

Eng. Waleed AlTamimi, General Manager of Tasneef Maritime explained, “Strong business intelligence is what has allowed the UAE to prosper and become a leading maritime hub worldwide; embracing technology and improving the local shipping industry’s ecological footprint is what will allow this to sustainably continue. The UAE’s wise leadership has repeatedly made this clear and Tasneef was fortunate to hit the ground running at a time when digitalization was in its early stages. Understanding the importance of adapting to the times is what has allowed us to gradually expand our role in the industry and strategically develop the industry externally, as well as internally.”

Developing Emirati Caliber

With thousands of ships working in UAE, tens of thousands of work opportunities exist for UAE nationals to seize. However, the local workforce contributes to less than 1% of seafarers. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi Ports are a good example of governmental companies who are paying attention to training the local maritime workforce. Tasneef is also administering its best efforts to join these powerhouses, in the hopes of raising awareness about the importance of developing the UAE’s talent. With these companies contributing to the majority of ships working in UAE waters, many private maritime companies must administer greater efforts to integrate UAE Nationals into their organization.

Seeking to enhance its classification standards through Emiratization, Tasneef recently on boarded a pair of fresh graduates. Ayesha AlSaadi, Engineer in Training at Tasneef, is currently undergoing a year-long extensive training to qualify as  Plan Approval Engineer. Alsaadi commented saying, “This opportunity has been as enjoyable as it has been educational, and I am sure that the theoretical and practical knowledge I am receiving will be of great use moving forward. I am hopeful of specializing in the engineering segment of classification, and I am eager to put what I have learned to use, especially when I undertake additional training in the mechanical section after this 12-month stint.”

Upon successful completion, Al Saadi will become the first-ever UAE woman to qualify in such a unique field. Similarly, Ahmed AlWahedi, Engineer in Training at Tasneef, is undergoing the same training and will become the fifth UAE national to qualify as a Surveyor for the classification society. AlWahedi said, “I am grateful to Tasneef for training young UAE Nationals such as myself. The country’s success is inspiring, and we want to make sure we continue building on what has been given to us. I am highly passionate about shipping and being trained to IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) standards will help me as I advance in my career and survey all kinds of vessels.”

Adamant on encouraging private companies to be more involved in Emiratization, Tasneef has garnered the help of Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and Al Fattan to train UAE engineers on practical matters. This has allowed them to set the industry standard and employ 25% of their surveyors as UAE Nationals – a figure that easily places this feat at the forefront of classification societies in the UAE.

Advanced Training Capability

Tasneef’s passion for developing the sector, has led to its rapid progression. The UAE’s distinguished classification society has steadily enhanced their capabilities to meet the requirements of the global classification sector, as well as to sufficiently train and qualify fresh graduates completely in-house. Abdulla Al Zaabi, Head of Plan Approval Department in Tasneef is a prime example of quality investment into training UAE nationals and subsequently developing their professional careers.

 AlZaabi elaborated saying, “Eight years ago, at the very beginning of joining Emirates Classification Society, Tasneef enrolled me in a two-year training program which took place locally and abroad. I learned and grasped every aspect of classification in general and focused specifically on plan approval activities in order to occupy the current position which I hold today. Tasneef’s belief in me is what essentially led me to flourish in my job post. Therefore, I am extremely passionate about encouraging the youth to seek out professional careers in classification as the job is as attractive, as it is rewarding. ADNOC has done a tremendous job of implementing the ICV (In-Country Value) initiative to incentivize private marine companies to mentor UAE Nationals and fresh graduates. Moreover, I believe there is always more that can be done for young UAE nationals in the maritime sector to realize their full potential. Having experienced my journey at Tasneef, and also encountering our new young local colleagues who recently joined us, I am optimistic that it will happen sooner than later.”

Al Maskari concluded by saying, “Increasing joint cooperation between both government and private sectors is essential for Tasneef’s Emiratization ambitions, as well as the entire UAE. We hope to see this progression rise in the near future, and we are accordingly working in a strategic manner to realize this vision. Emiratization is necessary to sustain the country’s strong global standing, as it will help organizations effectively achieve strategic in-house goals. We will continue pushing Emiratization as a way of continually creating a positive future for the UAE, while empowering young cadres in the maritime sector to upgrade the industry locally, regionally and globally.”