Liberia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the core mandates of the International Maritime Organization (IMO): maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, declaring that its dedication “remains strong and continues to grow from strength to strength”.
Delivering Liberia’s official position statement at the opening of the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, highlighted the country’s consistent leadership and contributions within the global maritime community.
Deputy Minister Nyei noted that Liberia has been one of the highest financial contributors to the IMO operational budget for more than 15 years, a demonstration of the nation’s long-standing support and active participation in the technical and policy work of the organization.
He emphasized that Liberia continues to engage robustly across various IMO committees and structures, helping to shape global maritime governance.
He further disclosed that Liberia currently maintains the world’s largest ship registry, with over 5,000 vessels totaling 287 million gross registered tonnage.
According to him, the Liberian Registry continues to be “the Registry of Choice” due to its strict enforcement of IMO-mandated safety and environmental standards.
“Our adherence to the highest safety requirements is a major factor attracting shipowners globally,” he said.
Highlighting regional leadership, Minister Nyei recalled that Liberia successfully hosted the African Maritime Administrations Conference in Monrovia earlier this year, which brought together more than 200 international delegates from the IMO and other global bodies.
The event reinforced Liberia’s role in promoting maritime development and cooperation across the African continent.
He informed the Assembly that the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has strengthened its institutional capacity and integrated actionable programs into a new five-year strategic plan aimed at expanding the nation’s blue economy potential, advancing environmental sustainability, and improving maritime safety in line with IMO priorities.
Concluding his remarks, Deputy Minister Nyei formally requested the support of IMO Member States for Liberia’s bid to retain its Category A seat on the IMO Council.
Liberia remains the only African country in Category A, which comprises the 10 states with the largest interest in international shipping services.