Shipping plays an important role in the Transport of the International trade , and the economic development of the country . In oeder to participate effectively in the shipping activities for the benefit of the country , there must be an independent , effective , Maritime Administration Directorate with adequate responsibilities and authorities , to control all shipping activities ( ports – ships – shipping companies – seafarers – agencies ….. ect ) & to cope with the quick changing technology of the shipping industry , as well as the ratification & implementation of the international conventions and the national maritime laws and regulations .

Based on article (4) of the Sudanese Maritime Act of 1961 – the Maritime Administration Directorate have been established by the Miniserial decree No (8) dd.10.09.1989 , as a sapecial department of government under the auspices of the Minister Of Transport , to regulate and control all the merchant shipping activities .

Since then the Maritime Administration Directorate is carrying out its functions of regulating and controlling the maritime and seafarers activities and it is the focal point of the International and regional Maritime Organizations ( IMO & IOMOU ) .

The head office is in Port Sudan and branch office in Khartoum .