The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are launching the SMART-C Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy project, designed to strengthen the capacity of coastal States in the Gulf of Guinea to combat piracy and other maritime illicit activities.
As explained, this initiative directly addresses the United Nations Security Council’s recent calls for enhanced international cooperation and robust support for regional nations and institutions working to combat piracy and ensure international peace and security in the region. According to Dryad Global, piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea have surged by 30% in 2025, underlining the region’s persistent security challenges.
The overarching goals of the SMART-C Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy Project are to achieve three strategic outcomes:
- Enhanced Maritime Security Capabilities: The project aims to strengthen the maritime security capabilities of Gulf of Guinea coastal States. This includes enhancing regional cooperation, developing institutional capacity, and strengthening human resource development across the fight against piracy, armed robbery, and other maritime crimes.
- Sustainable Regional Training Capacity: A key focus of the project is to develop sustainable regional training capacity. An inception study will assess current training needs and facilities, with the aim of strengthening one or more existing institutions to deliver regional programs.
- Regional Coordination and Knowledge Sharing: The initiative will promote greater regional coordination and knowledge sharing by supporting the integration of improved training, operational standards, and legal frameworks. This alignment will be conducted in accordance with the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, relevant IMO maritime security instruments, and international maritime law.
The new project operates under the existing IMO-RoK Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation (SMART-C) Programme, established via a Framework Agreement signed on 28 November 2023. The Republic of Korea has committed USD $3 million to support this project, with the Gulf of Guinea coastal States designated as beneficiaries.
This cooperation between the IMO and the Republic of Korea represents a significant commitment to strengthening the security framework essential for safe and sustainable maritime activity in the Gulf of Guinea.
