By
Guest |
Building on the 2024 Africa Ferry Safety Seminar in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the follow-up workshop in Marrakech, Morocco, our Lagos Ferry Safety Conference represented a significant milestone in the journey towards improved maritime safety on the African continent, particularly in West and Central Africa. Co-hosted by Interferry, the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), and the Lagos State Waterways Authority in June 2025, the conference brought together more than 220 policymakers, operators, regulators and key stakeholders from across the region and beyond.
Together, we took bold and practical steps towards developing safer, more efficient and more sustainable ferry transport systems in a region where the need for reliable maritime services is both urgent and far-reaching. One of the most defining and impactful outcomes of the two-day conference was the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Interferry and MOWCA – a truly historic achievement. Co-signed by me and Dr Paul Adalikwu, secretary general of MOWCA, this MOU lays a robust foundation for long-term cooperation in tackling some of the most pressing maritime challenges faced by MOWCA’s 25 member states.
This strategic agreement encompasses a wide range of joint initiatives. They include everything from launching targeted public information campaigns on ferry safety and sustainability, to organising capacity-building training seminars for maritime personnel, technical staff and safety officials. We have also committed to supporting the development of sound legal and regulatory frameworks that are essential for the growth and modernisation of domestic ferry operations. Furthermore, the MOU includes plans for conducting in-depth market studies, focusing on infrastructure needs and sustainability assessments, and facilitating knowledge-sharing between Interferry’s global membership and local operators across West and Central Africa.
This is not a symbolic collaboration; it is an essential, meaningful action. In many African countries, ferries provide one of the only affordable and accessible modes of transport for millions of people. Yet, in too many instances, these services operate without the comprehensive safety oversight and regulatory support needed to build public trust, protect lives and unlock economic growth. Through this MOU, Interferry and MOWCA are pledging to change that reality together.
The conference sessions were as productive as they were enlightening. Navigation and weather forecasting were major topics of focus, with delegates highlighting the importance of improved buoyage and channelisation to ensure safer waterways. Accurate and timely weather information was identified as a critical tool in reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational planning. Fleet maintenance was another key area of discussion. Presentations offered insights into global best practices for drydocking, vessel modification and predictive engine maintenance. When implemented locally, these techniques can extend vessel lifespans, improve operational reliability, and reduce both downtime and risk.
Perhaps most critically, we acknowledged the human element at the heart of ferry safety. Ultimately, the competence and commitment of the crew, engineers, regulators and operators determines the safety of every journey. The conference highlighted the pressing need for enhanced training programmes, stronger collaboration with maritime training institutions and expanded cadetship opportunities for young African seafarers.
Interferry began its work in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, (pictured) to improve ferry safety in Africa in 2024 and it is now being continued with MOWCA in West and Central Africa
This event was an integral part of Interferry’s broader FerrySafe initiative, which prioritises safety in domestic ferry operations within developing regions. Guided by our Strategic Plan 2024-2026 and driven by our FerrySafety Committee, FerrySafe is built on the principle that sustainable progress requires global expertise, local commitment and regional cooperation. Lagos reaffirmed what we have witnessed elsewhere: when these forces align, meaningful change becomes possible.
We will carry this momentum forward to our next major global event, Interferry2025, in Sorrento, Italy, from 4-8 October 2025. Hosted by our esteemed colleagues at Grimaldi Group, the conference will explore the theme of ‘Connections’ and emphasise how ferries unite people, communities, economies and ideas across borders. The programme will feature expert panels, technical workshops and impactful networking opportunities that continue to drive forwards the vital work started in Africa and extended worldwide.
To find out more about the conference, visit the Interferry Conference website.
A Canadian former energy industry executive, Mike Corrigan joined Interferry in 2017 after 14 years with BC Ferries – among the world’s largest ferry operators – where he was president and CEO from 2012.
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