Puntland Moves Toward Stronger International Maritime Security Integration

Puntland is moving toward stronger international maritime-security integration following a workshop in Bosaso that brought together port authorities and security institutions to improve coordination and preparedness.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported on September 30 that the four-day Port Security and Inter-Agency Coordination Workshop was held from September 14 to 17. It was supported by an EU-funded programme for maritime security in the Red Sea region.

A central outcome was a draft roadmap and terms of reference for a multi-agency Port Security Advisory Committee. The proposed committee would improve information-sharing, clarify institutional responsibilities and coordinate responses to security incidents affecting Bosaso Port.

Participants also examined implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and relevant provisions of the SOLAS convention, which establish standards for managing risks to ships and port facilities.

Bosaso is Puntland's principal commercial port, connecting the regional economy with Gulf markets and shipping routes across the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab and the western Indian Ocean. Its location has become more strategically significant amid renewed piracy and wider Red Sea instability.

Puntland forces recovered several hijacked commercial vessels in September, demonstrating their operational role in counter-piracy. The IMO initiative addresses a complementary requirement: building stronger institutions to protect the port and manage security onshore.

Effective port security requires coordination among port management, customs, law enforcement and maritime authorities. A functioning advisory committee could improve preparedness and commercial confidence, although the benefits depend on formal adoption, sufficient resources and implementation.

International cooperation can provide technical expertise and training, but sustainable security depends on Puntland institutions retaining responsibility for oversight and enforcement. The next step is to turn the workshop's recommendations into functioning arrangements.

As maritime competition and instability reshape the Greater Red Sea, Bosaso's role will depend not only on its geographic position but also on the institutions responsible for its security.

Source: International Maritime Organization, September 30, 2026. https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/WhatsNew-2501.aspx