Dubai, UAE, May 27 2025 -- Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA), the region’s leading academic institution for mariners and an integral part of AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ID Quantique (IDQ), a global leader in quantum-safe security, subsidiary of IonQ, to explore the deployment of quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions across the maritime sector.

This collaboration, initiated through Qinnovision’s Quantum Adoption Programme by Vernewell Group, aims to secure maritime infrastructure, and enhance digital communications against evolving cyber threats. The MoU focuses on developing quantum-safe cybersecurity services tailored to maritime challenges and to explore creating talent-development programmes in quantum-safe security.

IDQ’s expertise in quantum-safe communication and cryptography has the potential to build robust data protection frameworks to withstand cyber-threats. The MoU also includes the potential establishment of quantum-safe infrastructure and Platforms as a Service (PaaS) models to facilitate secure data transfer across international shipping lanes and port operations.

“The advent of AI and quantum computing in the maritime industry highlights the importance of cybersecurity research. We are pleased to explore this collaboration with IDQ to address anticipated challenges with quantum computing tools,” said Dr Yasser Al Wahedi, President, Abu Dhabi Marine Academy.

“With increasing cybersecurity threats, the need for robust encryption is growing. We are proud to explore opportunities with ADMA to implement IDQ’s quantum-safe solutions and training in the Abu Dhabi maritime sector,” said Grégoire Ribordy, CEO and co-founder of ID Quantique.

“Our goal is to drive real-world impact with quantum innovations in critical sectors like maritime. This exploratory collaboration aims to bridge academia, industry, and government to address urgent cybersecurity concerns,” said Malak Trabelsi Loeb, CEO of Vernewell Group and Spokesperson for the Qinnovision Consortium.

This MoU aligns with the UAE’s national strategies for technological leadership and international maritime cybersecurity efforts, representing a step towards fortifying global maritime infrastructure and ensuring that critical operations remain protected in a digital environment where threats are constantly evolving.