Comorian officials have successfully assessed the Port of Mutsamudu on Anjouan with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) cooperation.
The Comoros Maritime Affairs Agency (ANAM), the Port Authority (SCP), and the IMO conducted on-site surveys of the port, which transports essential goods like rice and fuel to the country’s other islands.
The objective was to determine if the port and facility (where cargo and personnel are transported between ship and port) meet worldwide requirements outlined in the International Ship Port and Security (ISPS Code).
Local Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) conducted an analysis of operations, including international passenger and cargo handling, to identify gaps in rules, procedures, infrastructure, and human factors.
They evaluated potential risks to people, property, and operations at the port facility and debated how to handle them. This covered physical security, structural integrity, personnel protection, procedural procedures, telecommunications, infrastructure, utilities, and other sectors.
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Discussions with the different State services working at the port, including the Port Authority, Police Nationale, Gendarmerie Nationale, Coast Guards, and Customs, looked into risks and measures to improve the security of Comoro’s ports and infrastructure.
The results of the evaluations will be used to develop port facility security plans for Mutsamudu Port, which will assist protect operations and support.
The evaluations were conducted as part of the EU-funded Port Security Project, which aims to enhance port security and safety across Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
