European Union

Shipping Arabia, October 16, 2026 – Yemen port security training and emergency preparedness efforts received renewed attention as a five-day maritime security workshop, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), concluded in Aden. The program brought together 30 participants from maritime authorities, port corporations and security agencies to strengthen risk assessment capabilities, improve port facility security and support safe navigation across Yemen’s strategic maritime waterways.

The workshop was organized under the Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area. It brought together port facility security officers, designated authority representatives and port security committee members to improve coordination and strengthen the implementation of maritime security measures.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Yemen’s Minister of Transport, Mohsen Haidara Al-Omari, emphasized the importance of preparing port facilities to identify and assess security risks, establish priorities and implement appropriate preventive measures. He stressed that effective emergency response must go hand in hand with maintaining the continuity of commercial shipping and maritime operations.

Yemen Port Security Training Focuses on Risk Assessment and Emergency Preparedness

Al-Omari described the workshop as an important opportunity to strengthen national maritime security capabilities and improve awareness of the requirements for protecting ships and port facilities.

He noted that current regional conditions and security challenges affecting maritime routes have increased the responsibility of national authorities to safeguard Yemen’s ports, vessels and waterways. Maintaining maritime trade and preventing the use of port facilities for unlawful activities remain essential priorities.

The minister urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired during the workshop into practical security measures at their respective ports and facilities. He emphasized that effective port security requires continuous training, professional development and regular exercises to test preparedness.

Al-Omari also called for periodic reviews of port security and emergency response plans, alongside checks to ensure that security equipment and systems remain operational and ready for use.

He highlighted the need to activate port security committees and strengthen cooperation among relevant government agencies. According to the minister, these committees play an important role in coordinating security efforts, defining institutional responsibilities and improving cooperation between stakeholders.

Thirty Participants Receive Specialized Maritime Security Training

The five-day workshop involved 30 representatives from Yemen’s Maritime Affairs Authority and the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and Arabian Sea port corporations.

Participants also represented state security agencies, the Coast Guard, immigration authorities, Customs, naval forces, refineries and free zone security departments.

The training covered fundamental maritime security concepts and the threats facing vessels and port facilities. Participants examined different security levels, ship and port facility security assessments, security inspections and the preparation and implementation of port facility security plans.

Other sessions addressed security equipment and systems, emergency planning, security organization and the responsibilities of port security officers and port facility security officers.

The workshop also examined the role and responsibilities of port security committees, including their operating procedures, organizational structures and the allocation of duties among participating authorities.

Additional attention was given to port-level risk management, identifying security priorities and establishing effective coordination mechanisms between agencies responsible for maritime and port security.

The training aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge to improve security planning, strengthen institutional coordination and support the implementation of appropriate preventive measures within Yemen’s ports.

IMO and European Union Reaffirm Maritime Security Cooperation

Mustafa Abdulqader, the IMO representative for the Red Sea project, explained that the workshop focused on the fundamental requirements of port facility security.

He said the program aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of their duties and responsibilities within the port security framework.

Abdulqader reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to Yemeni maritime personnel. These efforts aim to strengthen the country’s maritime security arrangements and improve operational preparedness across its ports.

For his part, Al-Omari reiterated the Ministry of Transport’s support for the Maritime Affairs Authority, port organizations and other relevant national institutions in developing Yemen’s maritime security system.

He emphasized the importance of drawing on international expertise and expanding cooperation with the IMO, the European Union and other international partners.

The minister also called for the workshop’s outcomes to serve as a foundation for further improvements tailored to the operational requirements and security conditions of Yemeni ports.

Strengthening Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb

Al-Omari highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime security cooperation in light of the challenges affecting the region’s shipping routes.

He emphasized that improved port security, stronger institutional coordination and better-trained personnel contribute to protecting ports, vessels and seafarers while supporting safe navigation.

The minister specifically highlighted the importance of maritime security across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb, where maintaining the safety and continuity of shipping operations remains a central concern.

He thanked the IMO, the European Union, participating experts, consultants and national maritime authorities for their contributions to the workshop.

The closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Affairs and Ports Capt. Ali Al-Subhi, Maritime Affairs Authority Chief Executive Fahim Saif and representatives of the Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area.

The event concluded with the recognition of participants and the distribution of certificates.

Source: Yemen Arabian Sea Ports Corporation

Shipping Arabia, October 16, 2026 – Port of Beirut maritime security and the port’s strategic importance to Lebanon were highlighted during a visit by European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. The visit focused on the port’s role within Lebanon’s national maritime security strategy and the European Union’s continued support for security and safety standards.

Kallas was accompanied by EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele and Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, Gen. Seán Clancy. During the visit, the delegation met with Port of Beirut Chairman and Director General Marwan El-Naffi to discuss the port’s importance and ongoing efforts to maintain maritime security and operational safety.

El-Naffi accompanied Kallas on a tour of the port’s container terminal, where the delegation observed operational activities and reviewed the security and safety procedures currently in place.

Port of Beirut Maritime Security and EU Support

El-Naffi described the visit as recognition of the Port of Beirut’s strategic position and its importance to Lebanon and the wider region. He emphasized that the European Union has supported the port, particularly in areas related to maritime security and safety.

According to El-Naffi, the presence of the EU’s High Representative reaffirmed the continuation of this support and highlighted the port’s significance within Lebanon’s national economy.

He also pointed to the Port of Beirut’s regional importance, describing it as a gateway to the East. The visit, he said, reflected the port’s central position and the role it continues to play at the national and regional levels.

The discussions and container terminal tour placed particular emphasis on the security and safety arrangements supporting port operations. These measures remain an important part of the port management’s efforts to maintain established operational standards.

Port Management Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Safety Standards

El-Naffi highlighted the progress achieved at the Port of Beirut through the implementation of security and safety measures. He attributed the improvements to the procedures and arrangements adopted by the port’s management.

The chairman reaffirmed the port’s commitment to maintaining these standards while continuing to develop and strengthen its security and safety systems.

He emphasized the importance of preserving the progress already achieved and ensuring that existing measures continue to support the port’s operational activities.

The visit brought renewed attention to the European Union’s support for the Port of Beirut and the importance of maintaining maritime security and safety standards. It also highlighted the port’s role within Lebanon’s maritime security strategy and its significance to the national economy and the wider region.

Source: Port of Beirut

Shipping Arabia, October 5, 2026 – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has supported stronger Somalia port security coordination through a four-day workshop in Bosaso, Puntland State of Somalia, bringing together port, security and government authorities to improve cooperation, information sharing and incident response.

The Port Security and Inter-Agency Coordination Workshop was held from September 14 to 17, 2026, under the EU-funded Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area. The activity focused on strengthening port security arrangements while improving coordination among the agencies responsible for maritime and port security.

Participants examined how authorities, port operators and security agencies can work together more effectively when addressing shared security challenges. The program also focused on improving communication between stakeholders and identifying practical measures to reinforce existing security arrangements.

Roadmap for Multi-Agency Port Security Committee

One of the main outcomes of the workshop was the development of draft Terms of Reference and a roadmap for establishing a multi-agency Port Security Advisory Committee.

The proposed structure is intended to provide a mechanism for coordination among agencies involved in port security. During the workshop, participants also strengthened their understanding of their individual roles and responsibilities in supporting port security and responding to security incidents.

The discussions emphasized coordination and information sharing as key elements of effective security management. Participants considered how different authorities and agencies could cooperate more closely when dealing with incidents and other security-related challenges affecting ports.

ISPS Code and SOLAS Requirements in Focus

The workshop also explored practical approaches to implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Sessions focused particularly on security planning and cooperation among the agencies involved in port security. Participants reviewed practical ways to support international maritime security standards while improving arrangements at the operational and institutional levels.

The workshop examined how port authorities, port operators and security agencies could strengthen communication and coordination. Participants also identified measures that could improve cooperation and support the implementation of internationally recognized maritime security requirements.

IMO Technical Assistance in the Red Sea Region

The workshop was opened and closed by H.E. Shakir Mohamed Guled, Puntland’s Minister of Maritime Transport, Ports and Marine Crime Prevention.

The activity forms part of IMO’s continuing technical assistance in the Red Sea region. This assistance supports efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve the resilience of port infrastructure and promote international maritime security standards.

The Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area, funded by the European Union, supports beneficiary countries in strengthening maritime security, port security and the safety of navigation.

The program provides technical assistance, training and institutional support to help participating countries improve their maritime security capabilities. The Bosaso workshop contributed to those objectives by focusing on Somalia port security coordination, inter-agency cooperation and practical application of international security requirements.

Source: International Maritime Organization