The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken a significant step in strengthening maritime safety, security, and sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by launching its new Regional Presence Office (RPO).
The inauguration ceremony took place in Alexandria, Egypt, a historic maritime city with deep-rooted connections to global shipping.
This achievement underscores the IMO’s commitment to fostering maritime cooperation and capacity-building across the strategically vital MENA region. Home to critical trade routes, including the Suez Canal, the region plays a pivotal role in global commerce, handling approximately 12% of international trade.
A testament to regional collaboration
The launch event saw the attendance of IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, His Excellency Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, along with other high-level dignitaries, member state representatives, industry stakeholders, and academics.
During his address, Secretary-General Dominguez highlighted the importance of the new office, stating “This regional presence office is a testament to our commitment to bring IMO closer to the regions. This office will serve as a bridge, addressing regional maritime challenges by fostering collaboration and ensuring that the voices and needs of MENA countries are effectively represented on the global stage.”
Key objectives of the MENA RPO
The MENA RPO aims to strengthen technical assistance and collaboration in the region while implementing the IMO’s key initiatives. Its primary focus areas include:
- Maritime safety: Enhancing regulatory frameworks, training, and navigation practices to ensure safe maritime operations.
- Security: Addressing threats such as piracy, smuggling, and other risks to maritime security.
- Environmental sustainability: Supporting the adoption of green technologies and practices to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
The office will also monitor regional progress, provide tailored solutions to unique maritime challenges, and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders.
Egypt’s growing leadership in maritime affairs
Egypt’s hosting of the RPO underscores its pivotal role in the global maritime sector. His Excellency Kamel Al-Wazir remarked “This reflects the trust IMO places in Egypt and enhances its pivotal position in the maritime transport sector regionally and internationally. It reaffirms its leading role as a bridge for cooperation among the countries of the region, contributing to the development of the maritime sector and fostering integration among Arab nations.”
Part of a global network
The MENA RPO joins a well-established network of IMO Regional Presence Offices across the world, including:
- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (West and Central Africa – Francophone)
- Accra, Ghana (West and Central Africa – Anglophone)
- Nairobi, Kenya (Eastern and Southern Africa)
- Manila, Philippines (East Asia)
- Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean).
Additionally, plans are underway to establish an RPO in Fiji to serve the Pacific region.
Strengthening maritime governance
The establishment of the MENA RPO is expected to enhance regional governance, improve technical capacity, and promote sustainable development in the maritime sector. It also reflects the shared vision between the IMO and Egypt to prioritise secure and efficient maritime trade as a cornerstone of global prosperity.
Looking ahead
The IMO’s Regional Presence Office for the MENA region marks a significant advancement in addressing the unique needs of one of the world’s most vital maritime hubs. By fostering collaboration and delivering tailored solutions, the office is poised to drive a sustainable and secure future for maritime trade across the region.
For more information about the MENA Regional Presence Office, please contact the IMO Secretariat at tcid@imo.org.
