Somalilandsun-Oceans Beyond Piracy (OBP), United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), EUCAP Nestor and the Somaliland Coast Guard announced today the opening of the Berbera Maritime Operations Center. The center operated by the Somaliland Coast Guard and part of the OBP Maritime Communications Initiative, will improve the quality and speed of communication increasing the safety of Somaliland waters for local maritime traffic and will assist in combatting illegal fishing, piracy and other maritime crimes.
The opening of the center, primarily funded by the Taipei Representative Office in the European Union and Belgium, was marked by a small ceremony attended by officials from OBP, Somaliland, the United Nations, and the European Union. To improve communication and visibility with traffic in Somali waters, the new center features updated equipment and systems including VHF and HF radios and the internet- based SEA VISION maritime situational awareness system. The center is solar powered to maximize operating efficiency and reduce costs. Internet was provided by the Somaliland government to enable these capabilities and ensure the long term sustainability of the center.
