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Morocco and the Netherlands formalized a new chapter in their maritime relationship on Monday by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in London aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of maritime transport.
The agreement was concluded by Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Robert Tieman, during the 34th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), currently underway in the UK capital.
At the core of the memorandum is the mutual recognition of seafarer competency certificates, aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This recognition is expected to ease professional mobility for sailors from both countries and ensure that training and certification procedures continue to meet globally accepted safety and skill standards.
The two governments pledged to take all necessary steps to properly implement the STCW Convention. By doing so, they aim to enhance maritime safety, maintain high levels of seafarer qualification, and bolster the competitiveness of their national fleets. The MOU also underscores a shared commitment to deepening technical and regulatory cooperation, expanding maritime trade, and advancing sustainable practices across the maritime sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tieman noted that the agreement will streamline the acknowledgment of certificates held by Dutch and Moroccan seafarers alike, ultimately supporting the recruitment of skilled maritime professionals. He emphasized that, given current global challenges, enhanced collaboration between maritime nations is more important than ever. Minister Kayouh highlighted that the MOU opens pathways for broader, long-term cooperation with the Netherlands—a country with a distinguished maritime heritage and substantial expertise in navigation, infrastructure management, and seafaring standards.
The signing comes as part of Morocco’s active involvement in the IMO’s 34th Assembly, which began earlier the same day. Morocco’s delegation is led by Minister Kayouh and includes the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hakim Hajoui. During the Assembly, Hajoui was elected first vice-president, granting him a key role in steering international discussions on maritime standards and cooperation for the 2026–2027 term.
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As the IMO’s top decision-making body, the Assembly reviews and adopts the organization’s work program, budget, and policy directions, while also electing the IMO Council. This year’s session is particularly focused on defining the future trajectory of the global maritime sector amid evolving economic and environmental challenges.
