Somalia Signs Deal To Establish National Ship Registry And Boost Maritime Sector

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has signed a new agreement aimed at establishing a national ship registry, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s maritime governance and global shipping presence.

The Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur, on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Çağdaş Oykun Saltaş, Director of Somali Ship Register Limited.

The agreement will facilitate the establishment of a Somali ship registry, enabling vessels to officially sail under the Somali flag—an important milestone in the country’s efforts to rebuild and modernize its maritime sector after decades of limited oversight.

According to the ministry, the initiative is expected to open up new opportunities for foreign and domestic investment, create jobs, and enhance the international reputation of the Somali flag in global shipping. Officials say the partnership will also leverage external technical expertise to ensure the registry meets international standards.

Minister Nur described the deal as a strategic move aligned with the government’s broader reform agenda, emphasizing its role in improving maritime administration and positioning Somalia among competitive nations in the global shipping industry.

The agreement comes as Somalia seeks to capitalize on its long coastline—the longest in mainland Africa—by strengthening regulatory frameworks, increasing revenue from maritime activities, and asserting greater control over its territorial waters and shipping operations.