Yemen approves roadmap for maritime security center
ADEN, Yemen (MNTV) — Yemen has approved a roadmap for establishing a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre (NMISC), marking a step toward improving maritime security and strengthening cooperation with regional information-sharing networks.
The implementation plan was finalized during a four-day workshop held from June 22 to 25 under the European Union-funded Crisis Response Project for the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.
The event was hosted by Yemen’s Ministry of Transport and facilitated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), according to Safety4Sea.
Participants reviewed the proposed governance structure, operational framework, staffing requirements, infrastructure, systems integration and standard operating procedures needed to establish the new center.
The NMISC will be headquartered at the Yemen Coast Guard’s facilities in Aden and will initially operate during daytime hours for its first two years.
The center will function as Yemen’s National Maritime Domain Awareness Center, combining information from multiple government agencies to improve monitoring, decision-making, and responses to maritime security threats.
Officials also confirmed that the Regional Maritime Information Sharing Centre (ReMISC) will remain under the Yemen Maritime Affairs Authority, ensuring continued coordination between national and regional maritime information-sharing efforts.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Transport pledged to formalize the National Maritime Security Committee through a government decree, giving it legal authority to oversee maritime security policy and supervise implementation of the new center.
Maritime Affairs Authority Executive Chairman Faheem Saif said a strengthened National Maritime Security Committee would provide the institutional leadership needed to establish the information-sharing center and advance Yemen’s broader maritime security strategy.
The workshop also recognized Yemen’s role as chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct Working Group on Information Sharing, with IMO officials highlighting the country’s contribution to regional maritime cooperation.
Under the agreed framework, the center will initially include representatives from seven core government agencies, including the Coast Guard, Navy, Customs Authority, Ports Authority, National Security, Maritime Affairs Authority, and the Ministry of Fish Wealth.
Participants also identified the need for improved communications systems, backup power, internet connectivity and greater investment in patrol vessels, personnel and logistics to strengthen Yemen’s maritime security capabilities.