Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador (Rtd.) Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., has reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to international maritime standards and showcased sweeping reforms within the sector during the 34th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The event, held from 24 November to 3 December 2025 in London, will bring together global maritime leaders, technical experts and representatives of member states to deliberate on the future of maritime safety, environmental protection and governance.

In his address, (Rtd.) Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay delivered warm greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime administration and align national policies with global best practices. He emphasized that President Bio’s vision continues to prioritize the protection of life and property at sea as well as the safeguarding of Sierra Leone’s marine environment. “One life lost at sea is one too many,” he stressed, underscoring the urgency of building a resilient maritime system that supports both national development and international expectations.

The Minister outlined Sierra Leone’s growing importance as a Flag, Port and Coastal State, noting that the country’s blue economy has vast potential for job creation, trade expansion and sustainable growth. However, he pointed out that unlocking that potential requires stronger governance structures, enhanced institutional capacity and deeper collaboration with global partners.

He announced four key short-term priorities that the Government is pursuing to accelerate reforms. The first involves strengthening maritime legislation through the domestication of ratified IMO instruments, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s regulatory framework is aligned with emerging global standards. That, he said, will help address new and evolving threats, including illegal maritime activities and improve compliance across the sector.

The second priority is the implementation of the National Hydrographic Action Plan and the upgrading of Coastal State services. Those measures aim to improve maritime search and rescue operations, enhance navigational safety and bolster maritime security along the country’s coastline.

Third, (Rtd.) Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay revealed that Sierra Leone is set to adopt the IMO Single Window Platform, a digital system designed to streamline port and vessel clearance procedures. The platform is expected to improve efficiency, reduce operational bottlenecks and modernize maritime administration.

The fourth priority focuses on the execution of an IMO-approved Corrective Action Plan intended to secure Sierra Leone’s return to the STCW White List. That effort will prioritize strengthening the country’s maritime education, training and certification systems to ensure that Sierra Leonean seafarers meet the highest international standard.

Despite the notable progress made, Minister (Rtd.) Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay acknowledged that the maritime sector continues to face challenges, including capacity gaps and resource constraints. He called for sustained technical cooperation, training opportunities and financial support from the IMO, member states and development partners.

Concluding his address, the Minister expressed gratitude to the IMO Secretary General and the global maritime community for their ongoing collaboration. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to maritime safety, environmental stewardship and global maritime governance, and extended warm wishes to the Assembly for a prosperous new year ahead. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/transport-minister-outlines-ambitious-maritime-governance-agenda-at-imo-summit-in-london/