Somalia Launches First Ship Registry in 30 Years, Aiming to Revitalize Maritime Industry
Somalia has officially registered its first ocean-going ship in over three decades, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to revitalize its maritime industry. The ship, a 3,488-dwt general cargo vessel built in 1979, was renamed Guney and now sails under the Somali flag. This development is part of a broader initiative led by Somalia's Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, to restore the country's maritime authority and credibility. The registry is managed by a Turkish company, with Turkish businessman Çagdas Oykun Saltas appointed as the general manager. The move is seen as a symbol of Somalia's renewed focus on strengthening its maritime infrastructure, which had deteriorated following the collapse of the central government in 1991. The country has faced challenges such as unregulated waters and piracy, which peaked in the mid-2000s. 
