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Jordan Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Transport Ministry, EMSA discuss national maritime strategy development
Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni on Monday meets with European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) experts Fabrizio Perelli and Norm Erik (Petra photo) AMMAN — Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni on Monday met with European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) experts Fabrizio Perelli and Norm Erik to discuss the development of a national maritime strategy and ways to enhance Jordan's maritime sector. During the meeting, which was also attended by Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC) Director General Omar Dabbas, Tahtamouni highlighted the sector's growing significance, describing it as a vital pillar of the national economy and a key link connecting Jordan to global markets. She emphasised Jordan's strong partnership with the European Union and commended EMSA's ongoing technical support in developing the Kingdom's maritime transport sector, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. "The visit of EMSA experts presents an important opportunity to exchange expertise and align efforts to implement international best practices," the minister said, reaffirming Jordan's commitment to international maritime agreements and the adoption of updated policies for the safe handling of dangerous goods. The discussions focused on viable policy options within the framework of the upcoming national maritime strategy and the broader objectives the government seeks to achieve. The participants stressed the importance of technical cooperation in formulating a sustainable, forward-looking strategy. Perelli described the partnership between EMSA, the Ministry of Transport, and the JMC as a "constructive model" for advancing maritime safety in the region. He noted that the presence of EMSA experts in Jordan is aimed at supporting the development of a strategy that meets international standards and serves both national and regional interests. He also highlighted the importance of SAFEMED V, an EU-funded project supporting Mediterranean countries in implementing International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and improving maritime safety standards. Erik commended the Ministry of Transport and its partners for their coordination efforts, stressing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the strategy. He added that the EMSA team would hold field meetings in Aqaba to discuss implementation plans and address technical issues on the ground.
Jordan Times
12-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan Maritime Commission signs 16 authorisation agreements in 2024
to JMC Director-General Omar Dabbas on Wednesday says that all maritime sector regulations in 2024 were reviewed and updated (File photo) AMMAN — The Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC) signed 16 authorisation agreements in 2024, enabling the issuance of international classification certificates that comply with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards for ship safety at sea. JMC Director-General Omar Dabbas on Wednesday said that all maritime sector regulations in 2024 were thoroughly reviewed and updated, leading to the creation and approval of several new legislative frameworks, including updated bylaws and instructions, which were enacted following their publication in the Official Gazette. As part of its ongoing digital transformation strategy, the JMC has rolled out seven pilot e-services currently in the trial phase, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Plans are also underway to automate an additional 24 services, aiming to streamline maritime operations and enhance overall service efficiency, Dabbas said. A key operational improvement this year has been the reduction in processing time for ship entry permits at Jordanian ports, Dabbas noted, adding that the time has decreased from around one hour to just 10 minutes, provided that all required documents are complete and in compliance. The director-general also said that the Ministry of Transport and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure have signed an initial memorandum of understanding to renew their agreement on mutual recognition of maritime certificates for seafarers in both countries, with the MoU pending the completion of necessary diplomatic procedures. In the area of maritime health certification, the JMC issued 181 health certificates for vessels docking at Aqaba's ports in 2024 and granted 416 boat driving licenses for operations within and beyond Jordanian territorial waters. The JMC said that it also provides a wide range of maritime services, including technical inspections, vessel maintenance and repairs, marine component cleaning, fuel supply, potable water, food provisions, spare parts and various environmental services.
