Record Number of Divers Participate at Underwater Clean-Up Campaign

In a resounding sustainability achievement, ADMA-OPCO in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Port Company have set a new world record for the most participants in an underwater clean-up (Single Venue) as part of the “Dive Together To Protect Our Marine Environment” Campaign organized on April 23rd.

Collecting around 9 tonnes of waste, a world breaking number of 300 divers using diving support vessels (DSV) with full diving equipped plus dive boats participated in the clean-up that covered Abu Dhabi’s Free Port. The clean-up aimed to raise awareness of the negative impact of underwater debris.

Marking the achievement, ADMA-OPCO hosted a ceremony on its HQ on April 24 that grouped together representatives of the Guinness World Records, and Senior Management teams of ADMA-OPCO and ADPC along with a number of the two companies’ employees.

“A big thank you goes out to all our volunteers and partners for all their support and concerns regarding our environment and for backing up and making “Dive Together” Campaign a big success,” ADMA-OPCO Chief Executive officer Mr. Ali R. Al-Jarwan said at the ceremony.

“The campaign fits within the context of our Corporate Social Responsibility commitments and sustained endeavors for the protection of the environment in general and the marine ecology in particular. Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. And we, at ADMA-OPCO, under the umbrella of ADNOC lay special focus on conservation of the marine environment where we carry out our daily operations.”

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, ADPC, said “This is a fantastic achievement our heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteer divers for their hard work. We thank them for giving up their time and for taking part with such enthusiasm.

“We collected an enormous amount of rubbish which will make a big difference to the marine species in our waters. The sea is a source of livelihood for many of us – from the fishermen in the Dhow Harbor to all of the businesses and organizations providing services for the increasing number of cruise ships visiting Abu Dhabi –as a result, protecting the marine environment is a top priority for everyone.”

An exhibition was set- up alongside the campaign to showcase the success story of the previous campaign and included marine and environment protection presentations, and a photo gallery.

As part of the event, ADNOC Crisis Management Team demonstrated a real-life scenario regarding what actions should be taken in case of an oil spill.

Representatives from high-profile organizations participated in the campaign, including ADGAS, Mubadala Petroleum, Tadweer, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) along with ecologists, environmental activists and fishermen.

Press Release, April 28, 2014; Image: ADPC