Maritime Standard Awards 2025 revealed, finalists to compete across 25 categories in Dubai

The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, the leading awards ceremony for the maritime and shipping industry in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, has announced its finalists who will compete across 25 categories. The event, held annually in Dubai, will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, bringing together around 1,000 senior executives from the global maritime sector.

Record-breaking nominations

This year marks a milestone for the awards, with the highest number of nominations received since its inception. Finalists were selected through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process led by a panel of industry leaders and CEOs, each recognized for their expertise and contributions.

The judging criteria included operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, market impact, and leadership.

Esteemed judging panel

The panel includes:

• Clive Woodbridge, Editor, The Maritime Standard (Chair of the Judging Panel)

• Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO, ADNOC Logistics and Services

• Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC

• Capt. Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO, Maritime Cluster and Noatum Maritime, AD Ports Group

• Dr. Ibrahim Al Nadhairi, CEO, ASYAD Shipping

• Ali Shehab, Global Director of Special Projects and Services, DNV

• Numair Shaikh, CEO, Timini Shipping

• Capt. Binesh Kumar Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, The Shipping Corporation of India

• Bard Poulsson, Senior Vice President, International Maritime Lead, Lockton

Clive Woodbridge emphasized the high level of competition this year: “All companies named as finalists should take great pride in this achievement. Competition was extremely intense, with a record number of entrants across several categories.”

Industry momentum

The announcement comes at a pivotal time, as the maritime industry navigates global transformations in decarbonisation, digitalisation, and supply chain resilience.

• The GCC’s freight and logistics sector is forecast to grow from USD 81.34 billion in 2025 to USD 110 billion by 2030.

• The Middle East offshore support vessel market is expected to rise from USD 27.25 billion in 2025 to USD 37.34 billion by 2030.

• The Indian maritime freight market is projected to reach USD 50.70 billion by 2033.

New award categories

Reflecting industry trends, the 2025 edition introduces new categories such as the Digital Transformation Award and Heavy Lift – Project Cargo Company of the Year, spotlighting automation, smart ports, and specialised logistics.

Driving innovation and collaboration

Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, said: “Beyond recognition, the awards are a catalyst for progress and innovation across the regional maritime industry. Each year, we witness higher standards, groundbreaking innovations, and deeper collaboration. The 2025 edition promises to be the most dynamic yet.”

A global industry gathering

With participation from shipping, ship repair, offshore services, logistics, and technology providers, the awards have become one of the largest international gatherings in the maritime sector, welcoming industry leaders from across the Middle East and beyond.