The grant contract by the European Commission, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) on 10 March, is for a two-year programme designed to bring African flag states and port state authorities up to compliance with IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code).
Having started implementation on 15 March, the move will improve African states’ capacity “to carry out their flag State responsibilities,” according to an IMO statement.
As well as improving the regulation of safety standards as stated in the joint EU-Africa Strategic Partnership adopted in Lisbon in December of 2007, it is hoped that African flag states’ improved capabilities in the maritime sector will spur economic growth in the region.
The development reflects a trend of increased investment in the West African shipping industry recently, with carriersopening up new routes and investing in port infrastructure throughout the continent.
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