The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has inaugurated its new Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, located in the historic maritime city of Alexandria, Egypt. This strategic move highlights the IMO’s commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity-building across one of the world’s most vital regions for global maritime trade.
The opening ceremony, held on January 21, 2025, was attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and high-level dignitaries, including His Excellency Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development of Egypt. The launch of the RPO marks a significant step towards bolstering maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability in the region.
Secretary-General Dominguez expressed that the new office would be instrumental in fostering regional collaboration. “This Regional Presence Office is a testament to our commitment to bring IMO closer to the regions,” he said. “The Office will serve as a bridge, addressing regional maritime challenges by fostering collaboration and ensuring that the voices and needs of MENA countries are effectively represented on the global stage.”
The RPO will focus on implementing IMO’s technical cooperation activities, providing tailored solutions to address the region’s unique maritime needs, and ensuring progress in the areas of maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Additionally, the office will facilitate dialogue among regional stakeholders, monitor the implementation of maritime policies, and strengthen governance systems.
His Excellency Kamel Al-Wazir, speaking at the event, emphasized the significance of the new office for both Egypt and the broader MENA region. “This achievement reflects the trust IMO places in Egypt and enhances its pivotal position in the maritime transport sector regionally and internationally,” he stated. “It reaffirms Egypt’s leading role as a bridge for cooperation among Arab nations and contributes to the development of the maritime sector.”
The MENA region is home to some of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, including the Suez Canal, a key artery that facilitates around 12% of global trade. The establishment of the RPO is expected to help MENA countries enhance their maritime governance frameworks, drive sustainability efforts, and accelerate the adoption of greener shipping practices in the region.
The launch event was attended by representatives from MENA countries, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions, all united in their shared vision of sustainable and secure maritime trade as a cornerstone of global prosperity. With the new office in place, the IMO aims to further strengthen its partnerships in the region and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the global maritime sector.
