Addis Ababa, February 27, 2017– Ethiopia is set to strengthen its maritime transport capacity with the acquisition of six new cargo ships, the Ethiopian Maritime Transport and Logistics (EMTL) has announced. The move is part of the country’s broader strategy to expand its logistics infrastructure and enhance trade efficiency.

According to EMTL, two of the six ships have already been purchased and are currently being prepared for commissioning. These vessels are Ultramax dry bulk carriers, each with a carrying capacity of 62,000 tons, and are expected to significantly improve the country’s ability to transport bulk goods such as grain, minerals, and industrial raw materials.

Additionally, an ETU container ship with a capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 containers is included in the new fleet. This container ship will enhance Ethiopia’s ability to manage imports and exports, particularly for manufactured goods and agricultural products, which are key drivers of the nation’s economy. The acquisition aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Ethiopia’s logistics and transportation sector, a crucial element in improving international trade competitiveness.

Ethiopia, a landlocked country, relies heavily on maritime trade through the Port of Djibouti, which serves as its primary gateway for international shipments. Strengthening the national fleet is expected to reduce dependency on foreign shipping lines, lower transportation costs, and improve the efficiency of import and export logistics. The additional ships will also enhance the country’s ability to transport essential commodities and facilitate faster delivery of goods.

The remaining four ships are expected to be purchased over the coming years as part of the government’s long-term maritime expansion strategy. The acquisition of new vessels underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to improving its maritime logistics capabilities, supporting industrialization, and fostering economic growth.

At present, Ethiopia operates 10 cargo ships, including the Abay II, which has a carrying capacity of 63,000 tons. The rest of the fleet consists of vessels with capacities ranging between 26,000 and 27,000 tons. With the addition of the newly acquired ships, Ethiopia’s shipping fleet will be significantly strengthened, allowing for increased efficiency in handling cargo and boosting the country’s position in regional trade.

The expansion of Ethiopia’s maritime transport fleet comes at a time when the government is prioritizing infrastructure development to support its ambitious economic growth agenda. Investments in the shipping industry are expected to contribute to reducing logistical bottlenecks, attracting foreign investment, and supporting the country’s export-driven industrialization efforts.

By enhancing its shipping capacity, Ethiopia aims to establish a more self-reliant and cost-effective logistics system, ultimately improving its global trade position and economic resilience.