Vanuatu is enhancing its maritime security framework, aided by an International Maritime Organization (IMO) assessment mission that took place from July 20-24 at the ports of Port Vila and Luganville. This mission involved consultations with key national stakeholders and aimed to bolster the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. These frameworks are essential for establishing robust national maritime security governance and port facility security measures.
As a Small Island Developing State, Vanuatu depends on secure maritime transport for sustainable development, trade, tourism, and the continuity of essential goods and services. The ISPS Code, which is mandatory under the SOLAS convention, sets forth security requirements and guidelines to safeguard international shipping and port facilities from various threats.
During the mission, participants evaluated Vanuatu’s national maritime security arrangements, including policies, legal frameworks, and operational processes. They also assessed the physical and operational security measures at the Port Vila and Luganville facilities, leading to targeted recommendations aimed at strengthening the implementation of the ISPS Code.
This initiative is part of the IMO’s Enhanced Global Maritime Security Thematic Programme, which assists member states in establishing effective maritime security measures. It aligns with broader efforts to enhance Vanuatu’s maritime governance and institutional capacity, providing crucial support to the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority and other relevant national bodies.
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