Liberia Reasserts Global Maritime Leadership at IMO 34th Assembly

London, United Kingdom: Liberia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection at the opening of the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London.

Delivering a statement on behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the Liberian delegation congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Assembly and extended warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia.

Liberia Maintains World’s Largest Shipping Registry

The delegation highlighted Liberia’s continued leadership in global shipping, noting that the country currently hosts the world’s largest shipping registry, with more than 5,000 vessels totaling 287 million gross registered tonnage.

Liberia’s registry remains the preferred choice for shipowners because of its strict enforcement of international safety standards, the delegation emphasized.

Key Role in IMO Environmental and Technical Reforms

Liberia also showcased its leadership in major IMO policy milestones. As Chair of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), Liberia oversaw the unanimous adoption of the IMO 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy. The country also chaired Committee 2 (Technical Committee) during the 33rd IMO Assembly in 2023.

These efforts contributed significantly to the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention on safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.

Support for Seafarers and Green Shipping Innovation

The delegation noted that Liberia was among the first countries to accede to the Maritime Labour Convention (2006), further strengthening global seafarer welfare standards.

The Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry is also involved in multiple joint-industry projects focused on new ship designs, alternative fuels, and other innovations aimed at reducing emissions and promoting greener shipping.

Regional Maritime Leadership in Africa

This year, Liberia successfully hosted the 8th Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations in Monrovia, drawing more than 200 delegates from across the continent and international organizations, including the IMO.

Liberia also hosts one of the five IMO Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Centres in Africa, providing timely emergency response across the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

Strengthening Maritime Security and Education

On maritime security, Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to the 2013 Yaoundé Code of Conduct, aimed at ending piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. The delegation highlighted a successful 2023 rescue operation involving the Liberia Coast Guard, the Government of Sierra Leone, and the French Navy.

In maritime education, Liberia remains a strong financial supporter and board member of the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana. Additionally, the Liberia Marine Training Institute continues to produce highly trained seafarers now serving aboard international vessels.

Call for Continued Support at the IMO

Concluding the statement, Liberia urged member states to support its re-election to the IMO Council in Category A, stressing that the country’s achievements were made possible by the cooperation and partnership enjoyed within the IMO framework.

“Liberia stands ready to continue working with all member states to ensure safer, cleaner, and more secure seas and oceans while facilitating global trade,” the delegation said.