From September 4 to 5, 2025, Managua, Nicaragua hosted the XXXI regular meeting of the Regional Cooperation Network of Maritime Authorities of Central America and the Dominican Republic (ROCRAM-CA). The meeting aimed to strengthen regional cooperation in maritime matters, evaluate technical progress, and consolidate common strategies in the regional port and maritime sphere.
The Technical Secretary of ROCRAM-CA, Mr. Otto Noack Sierra, opened the event with opening remarks, followed by a welcome message from the Pro Tempore President of COCATRAM, Mr. Volney Gurnard Estripeaut. Next, the Pro Tempore Presidency was transferred to Nicaragua, represented by the Director General of Water Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MTI), Manuel Mora Ortiz, who spoke on behalf of the host country.
During the working sessions, various strategic issues of regional interest were addressed, including:
- Progress on the Action Plans for the implementation of the Central American Regional Maritime-Port Strategy (EMPRCA), with the active participation of member countries.
- The presentation of the message from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by Mr. Carlos Salgado, Head of the IMO’s Latin America and Caribbean Section.
- The assessment of the handling of dangerous goods, the status of port contingency plans, and environmental management in maritime terminals.
- Technical presentations on the use of digital tools, such as QGIS for satellite image interpretation, and oceanographic trajectory models (Ocean Map).
- Analysis of the implementation of international maritime legislation, progress on the Central American Maritime Port Statistics System, and presentation of best practices in port security.
Preliminary results from the Short Sea Shipping Cargo Study, conducted jointly with the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), were also shared.
During the meeting, it was announced that the IMO would sponsor a seminar-workshop, as well as the VIII Extraordinary Meeting of ROCRAM-CA, which will take place during the XXXIV IMO General Assembly.
The meeting concluded with the approval of resolutions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in maritime matters and reaffirming Member States’ commitment to sustainable development, maritime safety, and regional port integration.
