#14 Sasi Prabhakaran on Maritime Innovation | Assets, Sustainability, and the UAE's Global Edge

From professional profiles and public records: Sasi Prabhakaran serves as Director - Maritime Assets at AD Ports Group, a flagship UAE-based ports, logistics, and maritime services provider under ADQ, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. In this role, Sasi leads fleet operations, technical management, and asset optimization for UAE-centric portfolios, including key facilities like Khalifa Port and Zayed Port. His focus is on integrating advanced tech and sustainability into asset strategies to support Abu Dhabi's economic diversification. Career Genesis & Path: Sasi's maritime journey began at sea as an Engineer Officer (Marine) with Maersk LNG, where he honed skills in marine engineering on DFDE LNG vessels, building a foundation in operational resilience and technical oversight. He advanced through shore-based positions, including Senior Fleet Superintendent and Fleet Manager AMEA at Svitzer (part of AP Moller-Maersk Group), emphasizing vessel operations, resource allocation, and leadership in the AMEA region. This progression led to his current strategic role at AD Ports, blending hands-on experience with high-level asset management in the Gulf's dynamic market. His career underscores a shift from operational engineering to executive leadership in sustainable maritime infrastructure. Recent Company Wins (UAE-Focused): Financial Surge: AD Ports Group reported a 15% YoY revenue increase to AED 4.83 billion in Q2 2025, with double-digit growth in H1 driven by Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, and Maritime & Shipping clusters—largely from Abu Dhabi expansions like Khalifa Port's capacity reaching 9.6 million TEUs. Global Ranking Milestone: Khalifa Port climbed to 39th in Lloyd’s List Top 100 Ports 2025 (up from 95th in six years), fueled by advanced digital tech, expanded services, and integration with KEZAD Group's industrial hub. Strategic Partnerships: Signed a 50-year lease with Oylz Terminals in March 2025 for a clean petroleum storage facility at Khalifa Port, bolstering Abu Dhabi's energy hub status and creating jobs. In February 2025, a 50-year agreement with Al Ain Mills for a grains storage/processing facility at Khalifa, enhancing food security and regional trade. Sustainability Push: Agreement with Masdar, Advario, and CMA CGM to develop an e-methanol bunkering/export facility in the UAE, aligning with net-zero goals. Plus, AI & Innovation Awards from Harvard Business Council in 2025 for operational excellence. Inland dry port inauguration in Al Faya (Feb 2025) with CMA CGM extends Khalifa's reach across UAE. These wins, under Sasi's maritime assets oversight, emphasize UAE/Gulf advancements without broader international detours.