Djibouti has become an important location for maritime traffic, with approximately 19,000 vessels passing through the country each year, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. However, the country’s waters have been plagued by piracy, illegal activities such as smuggling, poaching, and smuggling, and maritime accidents involving refugees. Therefore, Djibouti Coast Guard (DCG) patrols in the country’s waters continue to be of high importance, particularly in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, the entrance to the Red Sea. To address these issues, the DCG is aiming to strengthen its patrol system by focusing on the area around the strait. However, of the 35 vessels currently owned by the DCG, only two patrol boats are capable of safely patrolling the strait, and there is an urgent need to develop patrol boats with year-round stability in the far-sea area. This cooperation will provide the Djibouti Coast Guard with patrol boats and a floating pier, thereby enhancing its capacity to quickly and appropriately conduct maritime rescue, maritime law enforcement, and other operations, and will contribute to improving maritime safety in Djibouti’s territorial waters, including the Bab el Mandeb Strait.
© Source travel watch