The State of Qatar has strengthened its international maritime partnerships by signing two Memoranda of Understanding with the Republic of Ecuador and the United Republic of Tanzania. Both agreements were concluded on the sidelines of the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly held in London.
Qatar–Ecuador MoU
The Ministry of Transport in Qatar and Ecuador’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) signed an MoU aimed at enhancing collaboration and exchange between the national ports administrations of both countries.
The agreement encompasses cooperation in port information technology and development, exchange of ideas and best practices to improve port performance and productivity, as well as training and development of management and port operation personnel.
The MoU was signed by Qatar’s Ambassador to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland and Permanent Representative to the IMO, H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, and Ecuador’s Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Luis Ignacio Vayas Valdivieso.
The signing reflects Qatar’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the ports industry, sharing expertise with global partners, and advancing port management and operations to align with the highest international standards.
Qatar–Tanzania MoU
Qatar also signed an MoU with the United Republic of Tanzania on mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates, in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its amendments.
The MoU was signed by the Assistant Undersecretary of Maritime Transport Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Transport, Eng. Abdulaziz Abdulla Al-Sulaiti, and the Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), H.E. Mohamed Salum.
The agreement applies to certificates held by seafarers serving on merchant ships registered under either country’s flag, except for vessels specified in Article 3 of the STCW Convention. It also affirms that the MoU does not conflict with the domestic laws of Qatar or Tanzania.
H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani attended the signing ceremony.
Together, the two MoUs reinforce Qatar’s dedication to enhancing maritime collaboration, raising the efficiency of port management and maritime operations, and aligning with global best practices across the sector.
