Somalia Approves Maritime Transport Agreement with Türkiye and Accedes to Key International Maritime Conventions

On Thursday, 5 February 2026, Somalia’s Cabinet approved a maritime transport agreement with the Republic of Türkiye during its weekly meeting.

The agreement between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia aims to strengthen Somalia’s maritime governance, enhance international cooperation, and advance the development of Somalia’s ports and sea transport sector. It seeks to :

• Strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries
• Promote maritime trade and the movement of vessels
• Modernize and improve port services
• Ensure mutual recognition of seafarers’ certifications
• Facilitate technical cooperation and the exchange of expertise
• Guarantee equal access to port services and streamline commercial

In parallel, the Cabinet approved Somalia’s accession to three major international maritime conventions, reinforcing the country’s commitment to global maritime norms and best practices.

The first is the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, which establishes a unified international standard for ship measurement. Accession to this convention will support transparent inspections and an effective legal framework, fair and consistent taxation and fees, alignment with international port regulations, and improved safety and vessel management.

Somalia also approved accession to the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, which assigns responsibility to shipowners for the removal of hazardous wrecks. This convention aims to reduce maritime accidents and navigational hazards, protect the marine environment, prevent pollution, and ensure that Somali waters are not used as dumping grounds for abandoned or wrecked vessels.

Finally, the Cabinet cleared accession to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, a cornerstone instrument for the protection of seafarers’ rights. The convention promotes safe and decent working conditions for maritime workers, compliance with internationally recognized labor standards, and enhanced safety, health, and welfare of seafarers. It also strengthens the professional reputation of Somali maritime personnel.