Safety of Ferry Services in West, Central African Waters: MOWCA Signs MoU with Over 280 Interferry Members, Local Operators

By Raheem Ibrahim

In a major step toward improving safety and operational standards in maritime transport, over 280 ferry service companies operating in West and Central African waters have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

The agreement, initiated by Interferry—an international ferry industry association—aims to strengthen cooperation for safer, more efficient, and sustainable ferry operations across the region.

The MoU was signed during the recently concluded Regional Ferry Safety Conference held in Lagos, which brought together over 220 stakeholders, including policymakers, operators, regulators, and industry experts. The event, hosted by the Lagos State Government Ferry Service, focused on key issues related to ferry safety and operational effectiveness.

Discussions at the conference emphasized critical areas such as improved navigation and weather forecasting, advocating for clearer waterways through buoyage and channelization. Participants highlighted the importance of accurate weather data in preventing maritime incidents and ensuring safe ferry passage.

Another major theme was fleet maintenance, where delegates shared best practices on dry docking, repairs, vessel modification, and predictive maintenance of marine engines. Human capacity development also took center stage, with calls for better-trained crew members, stronger collaboration with maritime training institutions, and more cadetship placements for African youths.

The conference is part of Interferry’s continued efforts to promote domestic ferry safety in developing regions through its FERRY-SAFE project. This initiative aligns with the organization’s Strategic Plan for 2024–2026 and builds on the momentum from previous events such as the Africa Safety Seminar in Dar es Salaam (April 2024) and the Safety Workshop in Marrakech (October 2024).

Further discussions will continue at the Interferry 2025 Conference scheduled to hold in Sorrento, Italy, from October 4 to 8, 2025, ensuring ongoing collaboration and implementation of safety standards.

Key provisions of the MoU include:

• Joint awareness campaigns on ferry safety and sustainability for policymakers and the public.
• Training seminars for maritime personnel, technical staff, and safety officials.
• Strengthening of legal and regulatory frameworks governing ferry operations.
• Comprehensive studies on domestic ferry markets, including infrastructure needs and sustainability assessments.
• Enhanced cooperation between Interferry members and local operators through information exchange and mutual participation in industry meetings.

Speaking at the event, Interferry CEO, Mike Corrigan, described the agreement as a significant milestone for ferry safety in the region.

“We are incredibly enthusiastic about this increased cooperation. By working closely together, we can share best practices, implement robust safety measures, and cultivate a more sustainable future for ferry transport. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact our shared efforts will have,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of MOWCA, expressed optimism about the partnership.

“We are extremely pleased to formalize our partnership with Interferry through this MoU. This agreement is a testament to our shared dedication to improving maritime safety. We look forward with great hope and excitement to a future of collaborative initiatives that will significantly enhance ferry safety across West and Central Africa.”

Interferry is a globally respected ferry trade association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), influence within the European Union, and partnerships with various maritime regulatory authorities.

With a membership base of over 280 companies representing more than 2,200 individuals across 40 countries, the association champions policy advocacy and regulatory reform in ferry safety, sustainability, and innovation. Collectively, Interferry members serve over four billion passengers and transport 370 million vehicles annually.

“Our mission is to speak on behalf of the global ferry sector and to foster networking and knowledge-sharing among our members,” Corrigan concluded.