The International Maritime Organization has opened a new office in Alexandria, Egypt to provide technical assistance in maritime safety, security and environmental sustainability for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

In a statement sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE, the IMO said the Regional Presence Office (RPO) was unveiled by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, and high-level dignitaries, including Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, deputy prime minister for industrial development, representing the government of Egypt.

The IMO said the milestone underscores the IMO’s commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation and capacity-building across one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.

“This Office will serve as a bridge, addressing regional maritime challenges by fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the voices and needs of MENA countries are effectively represented on the global stage,” Dominguez said.

Moreover, the IMO said the RPO will play a central role in implementing IMO’s technical cooperation activities in the MENA region, focusing on enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability.

Further, the new office will act as a hub for monitoring progress, facilitating dialogue, and delivering tailored solutions to address the MENA’s unique maritime needs.

Al-Wazir, who is also deputy prime minister for industrial development stated: “This achievement reflects the trust IMO places in Egypt and enhances its pivotal position in the maritime transport sector regionally and internationally. It reaffirms its leading role as a bridge for cooperation among the countries of the region, contributing to the development of the maritime sector and fostering integration among Arab nations.”

The MENA region is home to some of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, including the Suez Canal, which facilitates approximately 12 percent of global trade.

This new office is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to enhance maritime governance and accelerate the transition to greener shipping practices.

The launch event was attended by representatives from IMO members in the region, industry stakeholders and academia.

The IMO and Egypt reaffirmed their shared vision of sustainable and secure maritime trade as a cornerstone of global prosperity.