Liberia Maritime Authority Explores EU Partnership to Boost Port Safety and Security

Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) is advancing discussions with the European Union (EU) to bolster port safety and security across the country. In a recent meeting, LiMA’s Commissioner, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., engaged with experts from the French and Belgian Technical Cooperation agencies—Expertise France and Enabel—to explore Liberia’s potential inclusion in an EU-funded port safety initiative.

The project, if approved, would focus on key areas critical to maritime security, including enhancing Liberia's capacity in cybersecurity, improving the handling of dangerous goods, and upgrading the skills of Port State Control personnel.

Liberia, a major global maritime player, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea, views this partnership as vital to maintaining and strengthening its maritime safety infrastructure.

Commissioner Lighe emphasized Liberia's commitment to advancing its maritime sector.

“The support of the European Union through this new project would be pivotal to our vision for the safety of seagoing activities,” he stated.

He further underscored LiMA’s goal of increasing Liberia’s representation at the World Maritime University (WMU) and creating more opportunities for young Liberians to receive advanced maritime education.

The EU delegation, represented by Mr. Nico Vertongen and Mr. Fabrice Tollari, commended Liberia's proactive approach to maritime safety.

“In the past four years, I have not seen a maritime authority provide such a comprehensive overview of its operations in terms of priorities, strengths, and challenges. Liberia is ahead of many countries in port security management,” Mr. Vertongen remarked.

The EU-funded initiative aims to address several security concerns, including increasing resilience against cybersecurity threats as ports embrace digital technologies.

Additionally, the project would assess industrial risks related to the handling of dangerous goods, ensure compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standards, and provide technical assistance to enhance capacity building in these areas.

Key LiMA officials, including Deputy Commissioner for Safety, Mr. John F. Harvey, and other senior staff, echoed the Commissioner’s enthusiasm for the project.

Mr. Emmanuel Dolakeh, Director of Safety Inspection Survey and Audits (SISA), stressed the urgent need for capacity building within the department, while Mr. Simeon Cheah, Director of Maritime Security and Head of Liberia’s ISPS program, highlighted the country’s ongoing progress in maritime safety despite facing challenges.