Port safety and security on the table

Workshop held to bolster maritime security

MAURITIUS: “Port safety and security is our top priority. It is the security of the state and there should be no compromise”, reaffirmed the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, at the opening ceremony of a National Tabletop Exercise and Workshop on Development of a National Maritime Security Committee.

The Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Fabrice David; the Representative of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Kiruja Micheni; the Secretary for Shipping Development at the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Dr Kiran Shamloll, as well other personalities were present.

The three-day workshop brought together European Union representatives, international bodies and national authorities with the aim to deliberate on the mechanism for beefing maritime security framework and reinforcing the National Maritime Security Committee, set up in 2005.

Minister Boolell underscored the importance for a sound management of the Port Authority and Cargo Handling Corporation, noting that the port is the backbone of the blue economy. The vision of the Government, he stated, is to transform Mauritius into a big Ocean State and to fully exploit its potential for sustainable development.

Mauritius is signatory to several Treaties and Conventions namely the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the Convention and Statute on International Regime of Maritime Port.

Minister Boolell also spoke of the modernisation of the port and the importance of training to Port Authorities and the National Coast Guard personnel in view to enhance service delivery and to be in line with the SAGAR framework of security and growth in the region.

Noting the country’s reliance on its maritime resources, Minister David said that the protection of the EEZ requires a coordinated and robust approach which involves addressing challenges like piracy, cyber threats, and marine ecosystem degradation. “Our goal is to lead in maritime security within the region, demonstrating strength, vision, and responsibility in protecting its vast maritime domain,” he stated.

He also expressed confidence that the IMO would help participants to identify gaps, adopt international best practices as well as guide the future functioning of the National Maritime Security Committee.

Commending Mauritius on its role in the region, Micheni called for a shared commitment towards maritime security, regional stability and sustainable development while highlighting that inter-agency collaboration and information sharing are essential for a more coordinated action among Ocean States.