Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Deposits 15 Maritime Treaties, Marking New Era for Somalia’s Blue Economy

LONDON – The Federal Government of Somalia has deposited 15 international maritime instruments with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), marking the largest single ratification of maritime treaties in the country’s history since independence.

The instruments were formally submitted to the IMO headquarters in London by the Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jaamac), who is currently in the United Kingdom for the IMO Council session. The documents, which include conventions, protocols, and legal annexes related to maritime affairs, were previously approved by the Somali Council of Ministers.

Minister Nur arrived in London to attend the 34th Session of the IMO Council, accompanied by the Director General of the Mogadishu Port Authority, Mohamed Ali Nur Ameriko, and other senior officials.

‘A Historic Day for Somalia’

Speaking to the media after the deposit, Minister Nur described the achievement as a turning point for the country’s maritime sector.

“Today is a great and historic day of immense value for the country and the Somali people. It is a day we have deposited 15 documents related to maritime affairs with the International Maritime Organization – a day we can say has never happened in Somalia’s history that a government has brought this many documents to the IMO headquarters,” he said.

He added that the deposited instruments would serve diplomatic, commercial, defence, and sovereignty protection purposes. “The laws we have deposited serve diplomatic, commercial, defence, and the protection of Somalia’s sovereignty,” he stated.

Somalia has been strengthening its engagement with the IMO, with Ambassador Abdullahi Mohamed Hashi presenting his credentials as the country’s Permanent Representative to the organisation in October 2025, pledging deeper collaboration on maritime governance, safety, and environmental protection.

A Long-Awaited Modernisation

Despite having the longest coastline in mainland Africa and being situated along some of the world’s most strategic shipping lanes, Somalia had only acceded to three international maritime instruments since independence in 1960, according to the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.

The deposit of 15 instruments represents a major step toward aligning Somalia’s maritime legal framework with international standards, covering areas including ship safety, maritime security, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare.

Somalia has also acceded to the Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), a significant achievement that grants access to essential worldwide satellite communication networks vital for maritime safety, search and rescue missions, and oversight of shipping in its territorial waters.

Strengthening the Blue Economy

The ratification of these instruments is expected to enhance maritime safety, strengthen port security, improve environmental standards, and boost investor confidence in Somalia’s maritime sector. The move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader Blue Economy agenda, which aims to harness the country’s vast marine resources for sustainable economic growth.

Mogadishu Port achieved record-breaking productivity in October 2025, reflecting Somalia’s growing trade resilience and improving economic management. The recognition of Mogadishu and Berbera ports marks a significant achievement for the country’s maritime sector, which has undergone extensive modernisation in recent years.

Way Forward

The deposit of the 15 instruments positions Somalia as an active participant in the international maritime order, strengthening its commitment to safe, secure, and sustainable maritime transport. It also opens the door for greater technical cooperation, training opportunities, and regulatory alignment with global standards, all vital to ensuring that Somali waters become a pillar of prosperity and stability for the Horn of Africa.