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
