Ethiopia's maritime expansion is expected to strengthen the country’s ability to handle imports and exports, particularly in the transportation of essential goods such as fertilizer.

The country currently operates a fleet of 10 ships under the management of the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL).These vessels have played a vital role in the country’s logistics network, with most of the 1.9 million metric tons of fertilizer imported last year arriving at the Port of Djibouti aboard Ethiopian owned ships.

According to reports, the procurement process for the new ships has been completed. Two of the six vessels are designed with a high carrying capacity of up to 62,000 tons, closely matching the country’s largest ship, Abay II, which has a capacity of 63,000 tons.

Officials say the expansion will not only improve Ethiopia’s self-reliance in maritime transport but also reduce costs associated with foreign vessel rentals. The acquisition marks a major step toward modernizing Ethiopia’s shipping fleet and enhancing its role in regional and international trade.

Source: Sheger FM 102.1