Riyadh, February 4, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) hosted the 23rd annual meeting of the Riyadh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control, with broad participation from representatives of member states, regional and international maritime organizations, as well as experts and specialists in maritime safety and inspection.

The meeting is regarded as a key regional event in maritime navigation safety, aiming to exchange expertise, discuss shared challenges, and review international best practices in maritime inspection, contributing to higher compliance with international conventions, improved port operations, and the integration of modern technologies such as digitalization, data analytics, and risk management systems.

Since its establishment, the Riyadh MoU has sought to harmonize port state control and inspection systems among member states, ensure the application of unified procedures aligned with international standards, and enhance the competencies of port state control officers through advanced training programs and national capacity-building in line with technological and regulatory developments in the maritime sector.

The MoU works to reduce the risks posed by substandard ships that threaten the marine environment and human safety by strengthening oversight and ensuring fleet compliance with international conventions.