Somalia takes steps towards international vessels' operations

Somalia has taken a crucial step towards ensuring vessels bearing its flag sail internationally with the signing of an agreement to establish the Somali Ship Registry system.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Somalia’s Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport and a privately owned company, Somali Ship Register Limited, on Sunday in Mogadishu.

In a statement, the ministry said the partnership aims to create a "formal national ship registration framework, enabling vessels to operate internationally under the Somali flag."

It emphasised that this initiative represents a "decisive step" towards the development and modernisation of Somalia’s maritime sector to boost its presence in global shipping.

According to a statement released by the ministry, the agreement was signed by Minister Nur and Çağdaş Oykun Saltaş, General Manager of Somali Ship Register Limited.

"Today, I had the honour of signing an important Memorandum of Understanding to establish Somalia’s ship registry, to offer Somali flag to ships, through a privately owned company. This milestone reflects our strong commitment to advancing and modernising our maritime sector," Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, said after the signing ceremony.

"Through this agreement, we are opening new doors for investment, job creation, and improved efficiency by leveraging private sector expertise. It is a strategic step towards strengthening governance and enhancing Somalia’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry," he added.

Nur expressed confidence that the move will "support sustainable economic growth and position Somalia as a credible and reliable maritime hub. We remain committed to building a stronger future for our nation."

Somalia has been making efforts in recent years to increase its presence on the global stage as it rebuilds from years of armed conflict and natural disasters.