Cabinet Approves Maritime Accords with Turkey, Adopts Key Global Conventions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia cabinet has approved a set of maritime agreements and international conventions aimed at strengthening maritime safety, improving port operations and protecting the rights of Somali seafarers.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport, the approvals include a bilateral maritime transport agreement with Turkey, designed to develop shipping capacity, modernise port operations, recognise seafarer certification and expand technical cooperation and training.

Somalia has also adopted major international maritime conventions, including the 1969 Tonnage Measurement of Ships Convention, the 2007 Nairobi Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, and the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention, aligning the country’s maritime sector with global standards.

The ministry said the measures would enhance maritime safety, clarify shipowner liability, protect the marine environment and improve working conditions for Somali seafarers, while strengthening Somalia’s standing in international maritime trade.

Somalia, which has Africa’s longest coastline, has been seeking to rebuild maritime governance and expand its blue economy after decades of conflict and institutional collapse.