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Posted On: 4/7/2026, 7:40:38 PM
Last Update: 4/7/2026, 7:40:38 PM
As part of what the government refers to as a revival of its maritime industry, Somalia formally registered its first ocean-going ship in over 30 years on Wednesday.
Notably, the government says it wants to encourage more ships to fly the Somali flag, and a Turkish business is responsible for the registry.
With the exception of its special position in maritime history, the ship itself is unremarkable. It is a 3,488-dwt general cargo ship that was built in 1979 and looks to have Turkish owners.
It was once known as Volgo-Balt 217, and it was a part of the Russian Black Sea navy. The ship had most recently been travelling under the Honduran flag.
After fulfilling all legal and administrative conditions required for a state to issue its flag, the vessel was renamed Guney (IMO 8230417) and flew the Somali flag. Presently, the ship is in Turkey.
Somalia's Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, stated that the registry represents "the revival of Somalia's maritime authority and the renewed credibility of the Somali flag." The Ministry welcomes shipowners and maritime businesses to register their vessels under the Somali flag.
In 1991, Somalia's central government fell, taking with it the nation's navy and any semblance of a maritime infrastructure. Reports mention decades of uncontrolled seas, illicit fishing, and, of course, the growth of piracy.
Moreover, the EU Navforce Atalanta and regional control among Somalia's numerous factions resulted from the peak of piracy in the mid- to late 2000s.
Currently, Equasis recognises 34 ships flying under the Somali flag, including tugs, fishing boats, and cargo ships. Some are said to have originated in the 1950s.
The registry was launched following the signing of a deal with Turkish businessman Çagdas Oykun Saltas, who has been appointed as the general manager of Somali Ship Register Limited.
He claims himself as a Master Mariner with nine years of deep-sea ship seagoing expertise and an Ocean-Going certificate of competency on his LinkedIn profile. He presents himself as a Fleet Manager in an Istanbul-based shipping company and is also a co-founder of CoShip.
The Ministry described the ship's registration and the registry's establishment as indications of its efforts to advance and modernise its maritime interests. They stated that the administration wants to boost Somalia's marine trade and improve the country's maritime transportation infrastructure.
Further, they indicated that the collaboration with Çagdas Oykun Saltas provides a fresh chance to contribute to the growth of the nation's blue economy. Additionally, the National Change Plan, which aims to restructure the central economy and governance between 2025 and 2029, has been implemented thanks to the general policy of support from the Danish government.
Maritime Law Courses address ship registration, which entails selecting a flag state, establishing legal ownership, and fulfilling technical and safety standards. Essential documents include the builder’s certificate, bill of sale, and international tonnage certificate, alongside adherence to inspections and international regulations. Key considerations also involve registration procedures, mortgage recording rules, and UNCLOS obligations regarding flag-state responsibilities.
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