IMO works with other stakeholder to ensure maritime security and safety in the Red Sea Area, in line with the 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy).
As part of the "Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area" (Red Sea Project), IMO took part in a regional maritime law enforcement forum in Addis Ababa (27-28 November) organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event was designed to enhance awareness of the regional maritime domain and to promote dialogue in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Red Sea Project is jointly coordinated by INTERPOL, IMO, UNODC and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). It aims to establish a national and regional port security network - a mechanism enabling the sharing of operational data on vessels, cargo, crew and passengers between Law Enforcement Agencies, Maritime Authorities, Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) and Customs Officers.
The Red Sea stretches from the Suez Canal through the Bab el Mandeb Strait to the Gulf of Aden, connecting Europe and Asia. It is one of the most critical maritime routes for global trade and presents significant opportunities for development and increased prosperity in the region.
Since 2012, the region has seen a reduction in piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in the region, but instability and conflict are increasing once again. Additionally, transnational organized crime and other illicit maritime activities continue. Together, these endanger the freedom of navigation of vessels transiting through the region's waters, and limit investment in port infrastructure and maritime commerce.
Participating countries in the Red Sea Project are: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It is funded by the European Union.
