Somalia Joins Indian Ocean MoU to Boost Maritime Safety and Port Oversight

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has officially joined the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU), an international agreement focused on ship inspections, maritime transport safety, and protection of the marine environment.

In a move described as strategic, the accession is expected to strengthen Somalia’s capacity to safeguard its territorial waters and ports, while improving oversight of maritime safety.

In a statement, the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport said Somalia’s membership will enable it to fully participate in the Port State Control system—an enforcement mechanism that checks whether foreign-flagged vessels calling at Somali ports comply with international rules on ship safety, seafarers’ working conditions, and environmental protection.

The ministry said the agreement is particularly important for reducing risks of maritime accidents, preventing pollution, and tightening controls on substandard vessels.

It added that the move will also support protection of Somalia’s coastline, marine resources, and fisheries—key pillars of livelihoods and the economy for many Somali communities.

Under the IOMOU framework, Somalia said it will ensure compliance with major international maritime conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, which govern ship safety standards, pollution prevention, seafarer training, and labour rights.

Somalia’s entry into the IOMOU is also expected to open access to training, technical expertise, and international cooperation, strengthening national institutions responsible for maritime inspection and management.

The government said the anticipated outcome is safer seas, more reliable ports, and economic growth driven by improved maritime transport.

Officials described the move as a significant step in reinforcing Somalia’s role in regional maritime trade, reflecting broader efforts to meet international maritime responsibilities and develop the country’s economic infrastructure.