Somalia calls upon all stakeholders and international partners in the maritime sector to support this historic transformation, which will reinforce the country's position as a responsible and active maritime nation. 

The  Republic of Somalia has announced its decision to accede to fifteen international maritime conventions and legal instruments. This is the largest and most significant modernisation of the country's maritime legal framework since independence, and it was announced by the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport today from Mogadishu in Somalia. East Africa News 

Somalia has only acceded to three international maritime conventions since gaining independence in 1960, despite possessing the longest coastline on the African mainland and occupying a strategic position along one of the world's most important international shipping routes.

A historic step to rectify this situation.

This significant development underlines the government's belief that Somalia, with its distinctive maritime resources and advantageous position, should no longer be marginalised within the international maritime legal framework. The nation's involvement in the main global maritime agreements has been restricted, which has limited its complete inclusion in the worldwide maritime transportation network, its capacity to draw in global investment, and its endeavours to improve maritime safety. Today, the government is taking a historic step to rectify this situation.

Somalia's management of its territorial waters

This initiative will bring about a fundamental transformation in Somalia's management of its territorial waters, cooperation with international partners in the maritime transport sector will be strengthened, the country's capacity to combat marine pollution will be enhanced, vessels operating in Somali waters will be required to comply with international safety standards, the rights of seafarers will be safeguarded, and Somalia's entitlement to compensation in the event of oil pollution or other maritime incidents will be reinforced. 

Big investments in maritime infrastructure, 

This change in the law is happening at the same time as big investments in maritime infrastructure, including the Port of Mogadishu, which is starting to operate 24 hours a day. The World Bank's Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) has given the Ports of Mogadishu and Berbera the top ratings for efficiency in East Africa. Plans to develop a modern international seaport near Mogadishu, incorporating a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), are also being progressed by the Government, with construction scheduled to commence during 2026

Related: New piracy incident off the coast of Somalia: cargo ship seized.

Calls to support this historic transformation

The Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport calls upon all stakeholders in Somalia's maritime sector, international partners, and the global maritime community to support this historic transformation, which will reinforce Somalia's position as a responsible and active maritime nation, reaffirm its commitment to international maritime law, and contribute to sustainable economic development as well as the safety and security of international navigation.

# (SEZ) #The Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport # Somali waters # The World Bank's Container Port # 15 maritime conventions #Somalia