Gabon: Libreville Hosts the 16th Port State Control Committee Meeting and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum
The Gabonese capital is hosting, from this Monday, 21 September, the 16th Port State Control Committee Meeting (PSCC16) and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum. Both meetings are taking place until 25 September 2026 at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Palace, under the theme: “Policy to Practice: Powering a Resilient and Future-Ready Port State Control Regime.”
Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics, the event is organized by the Directorate General of Merchant Marine of Gabon. It brings together representatives of the 22 member States of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding, as well as maritime authorities, experts and partners from the maritime sector.
Over the five-day meeting, participants will take part in technical sessions and high-level discussions focusing on strengthening port State control, the harmonization of practices across the region, as well as current and future maritime safety challenges.
The Abuja MoU, a regional framework for cooperation
The Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, commonly known as the “Abuja Memorandum,” or “Abuja MoU,” provides a framework for cooperation among the region’s maritime administrations on port State control.
Signed in Abuja, Nigeria, on 22 October 1999, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), its objectives include contributing to the harmonization of inspection procedures and port State control practices among member States and combating the operation of ships that do not comply with applicable international standards.
The Abuja MoU also aims to contribute to strengthening maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and improving the working and living conditions of seafarers.
