The Future of Maritime Operations: Combining Technical Skills with BusinessStrategy

By Aleksei Makarov

When I first arrived in Dubai, I was struck not only by the scale of its ambition but by the clarity of its vision. What once was a desert is now one of the world’s most advanced and inspiring cities, thanks to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the continued national progress under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In this spirit of innovation, I believe the maritime sector is poised to become one of the UAE’s next great achievements.

This is precisely the energy I see today in the maritime sector. An industry rooted in the Emirates’ history, but still waiting to fulfill its modern potential. From ancient pearl diving to historic trade routes, seafaring has shaped this region for centuries. And now with global shipping and marine technologies evolving faster than ever, we have the opportunity to reclaim that legacy and turn it into a world-leading force.

The idea behind Octanta Maritime Academy was born out of this vision. Our goal wasn’t just to create another training center – it was to respond to a pressing need. Too often, education and real-world maritime practice remain disconnected. Our team of experienced captains, engineers, and maritime professionals understood that to shape future leaders, we must offer more than just courses. We must offer mentorship, real-world perspective, and a foundation built on both skill and character.

One of the key challenges we address is preparing professionals for a dramatically changing industry. New regulations, digital ship management, AI-assisted navigation, and unmanned vessels are already shaping maritime operations. These are not distant concepts – they’re here now. That’s why we integrate emerging technologies into our curriculum, but always emphasize that behind every system, a human is still responsible. When lives and cargo are at stake, technology helps but judgment, calm under pressure, and leadership make the final difference.

We strongly believe that maritime training cannot be reduced to theory or online modules. Seamanship it’s physical, intuitive, and deeply situational. You cannot learn to lead a ship through a crisis over an online meeting. That’s why our programs focus on simulation, immersive exercises, and face-to-face instruction. From day one, our students are trained as professionals to lead teams, manage risks, and uphold the highest standards of safety and conduct.

Another pillar of our philosophy is bridging the gap between maritime engineering and business leadership. Captains, like military officers, don’t just execute – they manage people, make strategic decisions, and ensure operations run efficiently. This requires a wide range of skills: emotional intelligence, discipline, and the ability to think both tactically and long-term. We embed these elements throughout our training to ensure that our graduates aren’t only technically proficient but ready to lead departments, vessels, or entire companies.

Equally important is career direction. We work closely with companies and maritime organizations to make sure our programs align with actual industry needs. Our students leave with a clear understanding of where their skills are most valuable and how they can grow. Whether it’s logistics, compliance, offshore operations, or maritime innovation, we support each student’s long-term development, not just their first job.

The UAE is uniquely positioned to be a global maritime hub. Strategically located, deeply invested in infrastructure, and supported by a government that champions innovation, the country already excels in aviation and real estate. Maritime can and should be the next sector to shine on the global stage. With the right institutions, workforce, and vision, there’s no reason why Dubai and Abu Dhabi can’t lead in maritime education, shipping services, and marine innovation.

To young professionals thinking about a maritime career, I offer this: be adaptable. This is an industry that will look very different in five years, let alone twenty. The best way to succeed is to combine technical skill with a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning. You may start as an engineer or officer, but with the right preparation, you can grow into a strategist, innovator, or leader of an entire fleet.

At Octanta Maritime Academy, we prepare students for a mission. We are committed to excellence in what we teach and in who we help them become.

In contributing to the future of maritime operations in the UAE, we hope to do more than build careers – we aim to help shape the next chapter of this nation’s incredible story. One written on water, driven by knowledge, and powered by vision.