Lebanon has made significant strides in the international maritime sector, advancing four ranks on the Paris MoU’s grey list and moving just one step away from joining the white list of countries with a distinguished maritime reputation, officials said.

Ahmed Tamer, Director General of Land and Maritime Transport, welcomed the progress announced in the 2024 annual report of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control. He described the advancement as a reflection of “the growing confidence in vessels flying the Lebanese flag, which are now respected and highly regarded by all countries, particularly within the European Union.”

Tamer credited the improvement to the development of Lebanon’s maritime services, including inspection, verification, and auditing processes, which he said have become “fast, professional, and aligned with the highest international standards.”

Lebanese maritime certificates for seafarers, Tamer added, enjoy broad international recognition, allowing holders to work in ports around the world, especially in Europe and the Gulf region. He noted that Lebanon is preparing to submit a comprehensive dossier to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to obtain global quality certification for its maritime certificates.

The Paris MoU is an agreement among several European countries that coordinates ship inspections at ports to ensure compliance with safety and security standards, protect the marine environment from pollution, and enhance cooperation between port authorities in member states. The memorandum is considered a key tool for enforcing international maritime standards and fostering coordinated operations.

Currently, Saudi Arabia is the only Arab country listed on the white list. Lebanon, along with Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, remains on the grey list. The recent progress, however, brings Lebanon closer than ever to joining the ranks of countries with a prestigious maritime reputation.