MAPUTO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Mozambican government has approved a new package of maritime regulations aimed at aligning the country's legal framework with international standards, strengthening navigation safety, and enhancing the competitiveness of its ports in southern Africa.
The measures, approved at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, include a new regulation on maritime aids to navigation and another on the measurement of vessel tonnage.
According to government spokesperson Inocencio Impissa, the new navigation regulation establishes technical standards applicable to navigable waters along Mozambique's coastline and areas under national jurisdiction.
The move updates legislation dating back to 1960 and aligns the country with international conventions under the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, Impissa said.
Authorities expect the reform to increase cargo volumes handled at national ports, improve logistical efficiency, and generate additional state revenue through service fees.
It is said that the updated rules will reinforce maritime safety, help prevent accidents, and improve passenger comfort by clearly defining vessel capacity limits.
Mozambique's strategic coastline and its ports, including Maputo, Beira, and Nacala, serve as key gateways for landlocked countries in the region, making maritime efficiency a critical component of regional trade integration. ■