Ethiopia has expanded its maritime fleet with the acquisition of six new ships, a move officials say will strengthen the country’s ability to manage critical imports and reduce reliance on foreign carriers.
The vessels, procured by state-owned Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL), include two bulk carriers with a capacity of 62,000 tonnes each, nearly matching the company’s largest ship, Abay II, which can carry 63,000 tonnes.
Ethiopia currently operates 10 ships that transport essential goods, including fertilizer. Last year, most of the 1.9 million tonnes of fertilizer imported into the country arrived via Ethiopian-owned vessels docking at Djibouti port, according to ESL.
Officials said the expansion is expected to cut costs linked to renting foreign ships and improve the country’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
Source: Sheger FM 102.1
