President Abinader Orders the Creation of the Dominican Republic's National Maritime Strategy

The Dominican Republic has taken another significant step toward strengthening its position as a modern maritime nation.

Through Decree No. 353-26, promulgated on June 2, 2026, President Luis Abinader ordered the development of the country's first National Maritime Strategy, establishing a long-term public policy framework to coordinate maritime governance, promote sustainable economic growth, enhance maritime security, and ensure compliance with international obligations.

The initiative reflects the country's continued effort to modernize its maritime sector and align its policies with international best practices under the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

A Comprehensive Maritime Policy

According to Decree 353-26, the National Maritime Strategy will serve as the Dominican Republic's principal public policy instrument for maritime affairs.

Rather than creating isolated initiatives, the strategy will integrate government policies, plans, programs, and directives into a single coordinated national framework.

Its purpose is to improve planning, institutional coordination, and the sustainable management of the country's maritime spaces and marine resources while promoting good ocean governance.

The decree also emphasizes that the strategy will support the implementation of national action plans and strengthen coordination among all institutions with responsibilities related to maritime and ocean affairs.

ANAMAR to Lead the Process

The decree assigns responsibility for supervising the development and implementation of the strategy to the National Authority for Maritime Affairs (ANAMAR) through its Board of Directors.

ANAMAR will coordinate the execution of the strategy, monitor its progress, and ensure cooperation among the various governmental institutions involved in maritime administration.

According to ANAMAR President Jaime (Jimmy) García Saviñón, the National Maritime Strategy is currently being developed through a series of chronological phases, allowing for structured planning, technical consultation, and gradual implementation.

Main Objectives of the National Maritime Strategy

The decree establishes several core objectives that will guide the country's maritime policy.

Strengthening International Compliance

One of the strategy's primary goals is ensuring that the Dominican Republic fully complies with its international obligations under applicable maritime conventions and treaties.

This includes strengthening the country's responsibilities as a flag, port, and coastal State while improving implementation of international maritime standards.

Improving Government Coordination

Historically, maritime responsibilities have been distributed among multiple government institutions.

The new strategy seeks to establish an integrated planning and coordination framework that improves communication and cooperation between these agencies.

By reducing institutional fragmentation, the government aims to create more efficient decision-making and policy implementation.

Sustainable Management of Maritime Resources

The decree places significant emphasis on protecting and sustainably managing the Dominican Republic's maritime spaces and natural resources.

The strategy will promote public policies that balance environmental protection with economic development, ensuring that marine resources remain available for future generations.

Promoting the Blue Economy

Beyond regulation and security, the strategy recognizes the economic importance of the maritime sector.

It seeks to encourage the sustainable development of maritime industries, strengthen economic growth linked to the ocean, and maximize the country's strategic geographic position in the Caribbean.

Alignment with International Standards

The decree references several international legal instruments, including:

• The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, adopted in the Dominican Republic through Resolution No. 361-15.

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention, particularly Article 15(j), concerning maritime safety and pollution prevention.

• The IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code), which promotes effective implementation of international maritime obligations by member States.

These references demonstrate the Dominican Republic's intention to continue harmonizing its maritime governance with globally recognized standards.

What This Means for the Maritime Sector

The National Maritime Strategy represents more than a new government document—it establishes a roadmap for the long-term modernization of the Dominican Republic's maritime administration.

For shipping companies, port operators, maritime service providers, logistics firms, insurers, and investors, a unified maritime policy can provide greater institutional coordination, regulatory consistency, and improved strategic planning.

It also reinforces the country's commitment to sustainable maritime development while enhancing its credibility within the international maritime community.

Looking Ahead

As ANAMAR continues developing the strategy, additional stages will likely include technical consultations, interagency collaboration, and the formulation of specific action plans.

Once implemented, the National Maritime Strategy is expected to serve as the foundation for future maritime policies, helping position the Dominican Republic as a more competitive, secure, and internationally aligned maritime nation.

By establishing a coordinated vision for the country's maritime future, Decree 353-26 marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of the Dominican Republic's maritime governance and its commitment to responsible management of one of its most valuable strategic assets: the sea.