Somalia is stepping up its maritime game, and it’s about time. The Council of Ministers just greenlit a regional maritime safety agreement that hands the country new powers to inspect foreign vessels, enforce shipping standards, and protect its coastline. This isn’t just red tape—it’s a strategic play to overhaul a long-neglected sector and reclaim Somalia’s rightful place in the maritime world.
The Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among Port State Control (PSC) authorities in the Indian Ocean region. Submitted by the Ministry of Ports and Transport, this MoU paves the way for Somalia to join a regional framework aimed at boosting ship safety, environmental protection, and compliance with international maritime law. Minister of Ports and Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur didn’t mince words: “This agreement will play a major role in ensuring ship safety, protecting the marine environment and strengthening trust in Somali ports.” That’s a bold statement, but it’s backed by real action.
For starters, Somalia now has the legal and technical muscle to inspect foreign-flagged vessels using its ports and waters. That means enforcing key international conventions like SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006. No more flying under the radar for substandard ships or shady operators. The agreement is designed to slash risks from marine pollution, maritime security threats, and shoddy vessels, while safeguarding Somalia’s coastline, fisheries, and marine resources. And let’s not forget the seafarers—this deal ensures they’re protected by labor and safety standards.
Somalia’s accession to the Indian Ocean Port State Control framework isn’t just about inspections. It’s a gateway to training, technical expertise, and international cooperation. By joining the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU), Somalia is tapping into a multilateral mechanism focused on ship inspections, maritime safety, and environmental protection. This is a big deal for a country looking to rebuild its maritime institutions and modernize its regulatory frameworks.
The timing couldn’t be better. Somalia is finally turning its attention to its strategic coastline—one of the longest in Africa. This move is about reasserting sovereignty at sea and integrating more fully into regional and global trade networks. It’s a bold vision, but one that’s gaining traction. As Nur put it, the government is committed to enforcing laws that serve the national interest and support safe, reliable maritime operations. That’s not just talk—it’s a promise backed by action.
The Cabinet also approved the Somali Postal Policy for 2025–2030, part of broader efforts to modernize public services and regulatory frameworks. But the maritime agreement is the real headline-grabber. It signals a new era for Somalia’s maritime sector, one where safety, environmental protection, and international cooperation take center stage. This isn’t just about catching up—it’s about leading the charge. And if Somalia plays its cards right, it could become a model for other nations looking to strengthen their maritime oversight.