Mauritius reinforces commitment to sustainable maritime development, states Minister Boolell
Mauritius is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable maritime development by strengthening national expertise in biofouling management, with the long-term objective of positioning the Republic as a regional centre of excellence for sustainable maritime practices and marine environmental protection.
The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, made this statement today in Port Louis during the opening of a three-day National In-Water Cleaning Training on Biofouling Management.
The Head of the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa (MTCC Africa), Ms Lydia Ngugi, and key stakeholders from the maritime sector were present at the opening ceremony. The Head of the Asia Pacific Section and Environment Thematic Lead, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Atty. Jean Ver Pia, attended via videoconference.
In his address, Minister Boolell underlined that Mauritius, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), occupies a strategic position along major international shipping routes. He noted that recent geopolitical developments, particularly the crisis in the Middle East, have further reinforced the country’s importance as a maritime and trade hub, making it imperative to continuously enhance maritime standards and align with international norms.
He indicated that Mauritius is progressing towards ratifying the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, describing it as another significant milestone in strengthening the country’s maritime regulatory framework. Together with ongoing efforts to improve biofouling management, these measures will support Mauritius’ ambition to become a regional leader in sustainable maritime development, he said.
Dr Boolell emphasised that by aligning with international conventions, IMO guidelines and emerging global best practices, Mauritius is reaffirming its commitment to responsible maritime governance and environmental protection. He also recalled Government’s continued investment in modernising port infrastructure to position Port Louis as a port of reference in the region.
The Minister further stressed that effective marine environmental protection requires strong partnerships and collaboration among governments, international organisations and industry stakeholders. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the training will contribute to the development of a comprehensive national policy on biofouling management while strengthening the country’s capacity to address future environmental challenges.
For her part, Atty. Ver Pia recalled that Mauritius had successfully hosted the National Technology Demonstration Workshop on Biofouling Management under the TEST Biofouling Project, demonstrating the country’s readiness to embrace innovation and strengthen national expertise in this field. She noted that the current training builds on those achievements by enabling participants to exchange knowledge, examine international best practices and enhance technical skills in environmentally sound in-water cleaning operations.
She commended Mauritius for demonstrating leadership among SIDS in addressing the environmental and operational challenges associated with biofouling and reaffirmed the IMO’s continued support in advancing national biofouling management in line with the Organisation’s guidelines.
As for Ms Ngugi, she reaffirmed MTCC Africa’s commitment to support Mauritius in strengthening national capacity and promoting the practical implementation of sustainable biofouling management, both nationally and across the region.
The training, organised by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, in collaboration with the IMO, brings together representatives from the public and private sectors as well as university students to exchange knowledge, strengthen national capacity and promote best practices in biofouling management.
Source : GIS Mauritius
