Somalia has officially registered its first vessel under the national flag in more than three decades, marking a significant step in rebuilding its maritime sector following the collapse of state institutions in 1991.
The Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport announced that the vessel “Guney,” bearing identification number IMO 8230417, has been formally entered into the Somali ship registry, allowing it to operate under the national flag.
“Today, we officially registered the vessel ‘Guney’ under the flag of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” Ports and Marine Transport Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur said in a statement.
The registration is the first since the country central government collapsed during the civil war, which disrupted key institutions including maritime administration. Officials said the move reflects efforts to restore systems that manage maritime activities and rebuild institutional credibility.
Somalia coastline stretches over 3,330 kilometers along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, making it the longest in mainland Africa. However, the maritime sector has remained underdeveloped due to years of instability and lack of regulatory frameworks.
Authorities said restoring the registry provides a legal framework for shipowners and improves monitoring of maritime activities. The government is also urging private sector players to register vessels locally to support trade and generate revenue.
Officials linked the development to broader reforms under Somalia National Transformation Plan aimed at strengthening governance and economic growth.
