The Commander of the Somali Navy and Coastal Defense, Major General Admiral Abdiwahaab Abdullaahi, together with experts from the Italian Hydrographic Institute (IIM), officially launched plans to establish and develop the Somali Oceano-Hydrographic Office (SOHO).
SOHO is set to become Somalia’s central hub for maritime data collection, navigational charting, ship safety, oceanographic and meteorological information, tides, and coastal security monitoring. The office will play a key role in supporting maritime safety and enhancing the country’s understanding of its territorial waters.
The new center will also serve as Somalia’s largest oceanographic data facility, contributing to the protection of coastal zones and sustainable management of marine resources. It is expected to improve Somalia’s ability to monitor and safeguard its seas effectively.
The initiative represents a national effort developed through technical collaboration with international partners. It includes plans for advanced training programs and the deployment of modern equipment to strengthen ship safety, coastal security, maritime capacity, and resource management.
Officials emphasized that SOHO will not only support maritime navigation and safety but also enhance Somalia’s broader maritime strategy, ensuring the country can protect its coastal and marine assets while promoting sustainable use of the ocean’s resources.