On 5 February 2026, the Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia approved a number of international agreements and conventions aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving public service delivery. Beyond the bilateral maritime cooperation agreement with the Republic of Türkiye, the approval of three major international maritime conventions marks an important step in Somalia’s efforts to modernize its maritime legal and regulatory framework in line with international standards. These include:
1. An intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Türkiye, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of maritime affairs including:-
- Enhancing maritime transport and maritime trade
- Improving and modernizing port services
- Recognition of Seafarers’ Certificates
- Technical Cooperation and Exchange of Expertise among others
2. The Maritime Labor Convention, 2006
The Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), adopted under the auspices of the International Labor Organization (ILO), is widely regarded as the “fourth pillar” of international maritime regulation, alongside key conventions on safety, pollution prevention, and training. Its primary objective is to ensure decent working and living conditions for seafarers while promoting fair competition in the global shipping industry.
For Somalia, the approval of the MLC 2006 carries both social and regulatory significance. The Convention establishes minimum standards relating to conditions of employment, wages, hours of work and rest, occupational safety and health, medical care, accommodation, food, and social protection. In a country with a long coastline and increasing maritime activity, the protection of seafarers’ rights is essential not only from a human rights perspective but also for ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
Institutionally, the MLC 2006 requires flag States to exercise effective oversight over vessels flying their flag, including inspection and certification regimes. This places a direct obligation on Somalia to strengthen its maritime administration, inspection capacity, and enforcement mechanisms. From a governance perspective, the Convention promotes accountability, transparency, and rule-based regulation within the maritime labor sector, aligning with broader principles of good governance and public administration.
3. The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (2007)
The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (2007) addresses the growing problem of hazardous shipwrecks that pose risks to navigation, marine environments, and coastal infrastructure. The Convention establishes a clear legal framework for the identification, marking, and removal of wrecks located within a State’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
For Somalia, whose waters have historically been affected by conflict-related maritime incidents, abandoned vessels, and limited regulatory oversight, the Convention is particularly relevant. It assigns primary responsibility to ship-owners for the removal of wrecks and introduces compulsory insurance requirements to ensure that sufficient financial resources are available to cover removal costs. This reduces the financial burden on coastal States and enhances environmental protection.
From a governance standpoint, the Nairobi Convention strengthens Somalia’s ability to assert regulatory authority over its maritime zones. It enhances legal certainty by clarifying rights and obligations, improves environmental governance by addressing pollution and navigational hazards, and supports maritime safety by ensuring that dangerous wrecks are removed in a timely manner. The Convention also reinforces Somalia’s capacity to engage with international insurers, ship-owners, and maritime stakeholders within a rules-based system.
4. The International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969
The International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, establishes a uniform system for measuring the gross and net tonnage of ships. Tonnage measurement is a fundamental regulatory tool, as it underpins the application of a wide range of international maritime rules, including safety standards, port dues, manning requirements, and environmental obligations.
Prior to the Convention, tonnage measurement systems varied significantly between States, leading to inconsistency, regulatory arbitrage, and disputes. By adopting a standardized methodology, the Convention promotes legal certainty and harmonization in maritime regulation. For Somalia, approval of this Convention is a critical step toward aligning its maritime regulatory framework with international practice.
In practical terms, accurate and standardized tonnage measurement enables Somalia to administer port services, registration systems, and maritime fees more effectively. It also enhances transparency and predictability for ship-owners and operators, thereby supporting the development of a credible and competitive maritime sector. From an institutional perspective, implementation of the Convention requires technical capacity, trained personnel, and reliable administrative systems, reinforcing broader state-building and governance objectives.
Collectively, the approval of these three conventions reflects a deliberate effort by Somalia to integrate international legal standards into its domestic maritime governance framework. Although these instruments address different aspects of maritime activity about rights, wreck removal, and technical measurement they are united by a common emphasis on regulation, accountability, and institutional capacity.
The conventions contribute to improved governance by clarifying legal responsibilities, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and enhancing Somalia’s credibility as a flag and coastal State. They also facilitate international cooperation, trade, and maritime diplomacy by aligning Somalia’s regulatory practices with widely accepted global norms. In this sense, the adoption of these conventions is not merely a technical exercise but a strategic governance choice with implications for economic development, environmental protection, and international integration.
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