Mozambique and the United States to collaborate on port security – Watch

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Mozambique and the United States to collaborate on port security – Watch

1:22 CAT | 05 Mar 2020

Photo: Lusa

Mozambique and the United States of America (USA) yesterday expressed their intention to exchange experience and collaborate in the area of port security, acknowledging it as a common challenge worldwide.

“What we really want are collaborations and partnerships [with the Mozambican side],” said Howard Vacco, of the U.S. Coast Guard’s International Port Security Program team.

Vacco was speaking after meeting senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), the National Marine Institute (INAMAR) and the Port of Maputo, as part of a United States Coast Guard visit to the Mozambican capital.

Vacco said port security was a worldwide challenge which required concerted action from everyone.

“The reality is that, for all of us, around the world, we will have to take responsibility for our own security. So what we have to do is to implement these rules and policies together,” he said.

Domingos Pedro, director of the Maritime Security Administration Services, also highlighted the importance of collaboration, pointing out that Mozambican ports have witnessed progress with regard to security recently.

“Today, we feel a little more fulfilled, because our ports comply with the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code,” Pedro said.

The United States Coast Guard International Port Security Team visit to the port of Maputo is part of a port security training programme for Mozambican officials.

Situated in the downtown area of the city, the port of Maputo is the largest in the country, and is estimated to receive more than 1,000 goods vehicles every day, many from neighbouring countries.

In 2018, the port of Maputo handled 19.5 million tonnes of cargo, an increase of 7% over the previous year, and a record volume.

With the increase of piracy in the Mozambique Channel and illegal fishing, which costs the state more than US$60 million per year, the security of Mozambique’s extensive coastline has become a priority for the Mozambican authorities.