Somalia’s Cabinet Approves Maritime Safety Agreement for Indian Ocean Ports

Somalia approves regional maritime safety pact, gains authority to inspect foreign ships

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a regional maritime safety agreement that will allow the country to inspect foreign vessels, enforce international shipping standards and better protect its 3,300-kilometer coastline, marking a significant step in rebuilding oversight of a long-neglected maritime sector.

The Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding among Port State Control authorities in the Indian Ocean region, submitted by the Ministry of Ports and Transport. The move paves the way for Somalia’s participation in a coordinated framework aimed at improving ship safety, environmental protection and compliance with international maritime law.

Minister of Ports and Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur said the agreement will bolster cooperation and information-sharing among Indian Ocean states and help restore confidence in Somali ports after decades of weak regulation.

“This agreement will play a major role in ensuring ship safety, protecting the marine environment and strengthening trust in Somali ports,” the minister said in a statement. He added that the government remains committed to enforcing laws that serve the national interest and support safe and reliable maritime operations.

Somalia’s accession to the Indian Ocean Port State Control framework grants legal and technical authority to inspect foreign-flagged vessels calling at Somali ports or operating in its waters. It also enables enforcement of cornerstone international conventions, including:

• Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS)
• Marine Pollution Convention (MARPOL)
• Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
• Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Officials say the agreement is designed to reduce risks from substandard ships, curb marine pollution and address maritime security threats. It also aims to safeguard fisheries and marine resources critical to coastal communities while strengthening protections for seafarers through adherence to labor and safety standards.

Somalia recently joined the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU), a multilateral mechanism focused on ship inspections, maritime transport safety and environmental protection. Membership is expected to provide access to training, technical expertise and international cooperation, reinforcing national institutions responsible for port management and ship inspection.

The Cabinet’s decision signals a broader effort by the government to reassert sovereignty at sea and align with international norms, officials said. By participating in a recognized Port State Control regime, Somalia can share inspection data, target high-risk vessels and apply consistent rules, improving the reliability and reputation of its ports for regional and global trade.

The Council of Ministers also approved the Somali Postal Policy for 2025–2030, prepared by the Ministry of Communications and Technology, as part of ongoing work to modernize public services and update regulatory frameworks across key sectors.

The maritime push comes as Somalia seeks to leverage its strategic location along major Indian Ocean shipping lanes. With one of Africa’s longest coastlines, the country has emphasized the need to rebuild basic maritime governance, curb environmental harm and create safer conditions for commerce after years of limited state capacity. The new agreement, officials say, is intended to translate that strategic focus into actionable standards that match international expectations for ship safety and environmental stewardship.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.