The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are collaborating on the SMART-C Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy project, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of coastal States in the Gulf of Guinea to tackle piracy and other maritime crimes. This initiative responds to recent United Nations Security Council calls for increased international cooperation and support for regional efforts to maintain peace and security.
The project is part of the existing IMO-RoK Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation (SMART-C) Programme, established through a Framework Agreement signed on November 28, 2023. The Republic of Korea has pledged USD $3 million to fund this initiative, benefiting the Gulf of Guinea coastal States.
The SMART-C project is focused on achieving three strategic outcomes. First, it aims to bolster maritime security capabilities in the region by enhancing cooperation, institutional capacity, and human resource development to combat piracy and armed robbery. Second, it emphasizes the development of sustainable regional training capacity, with an inception study to evaluate current training needs and improve existing institutions. Lastly, the project will foster regional coordination and knowledge sharing by aligning training, operational standards, and legal frameworks with the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and international maritime law. This partnership marks a significant step towards ensuring safe maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
