The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) is actively pursuing a collaboration with the European Union (EU) to bolster port safety and security throughout Liberia. Recently, Commissioner Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., engaged in discussions with representatives from French and Belgian Technical Cooperation agencies, namely Expertise France and Enabel, to potentially include Liberia’s seaports in an EU-funded initiative aimed at improving port safety. The proposed project emphasizes the enhancement of Liberia’s capacity in key areas such as cybersecurity, the handling of hazardous materials, and the development of Port State Control personnel capabilities, all of which are deemed critical for the country’s maritime security. As a significant maritime entity, Liberia plays an important role both globally and particularly within the Gulf of Guinea region.
During the discussions, Commissioner Lighe expressed Liberia’s commitment to advancing its maritime security infrastructure and emphasized the vital role the EU’s support would play in achieving safe and secure seagoing operations in the country. He underscored the Maritime Authority’s strategic objective of increasing Liberia’s participation in the World Maritime University (WMU) to provide more young Liberians access to advanced maritime education. This focus on education and capacity building highlights Liberia’s proactive approach towards enhancing its maritime sector capabilities and ensuring that its personnel are well-equipped to respond to emerging maritime challenges.
The EU delegation, comprising Mr. Nico Vertongen and Mr. Fabrice Tollari, commended Liberia for its thorough presentation of the maritime sector and noted how the country’s strategies currently reflect a more developed vision compared to other nations in the region. Mr. Vertongen explicitly acknowledged the progress made by LiMA, remarking that he had not encountered a maritime authority willing to provide such a comprehensive view of their operational priorities and challenges. This recognition underscores Liberia’s ongoing efforts to enhance port security management and build on its foundational strengths.
The anticipated EU-funded project seeks to mitigate security threats associated with increasing port digitization. It proposes to evaluate the industrial risks linked with dangerous goods handling and conduct assessments on the compliance of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Furthermore, it aims to provide essential technical support to facilitate capacity building within Liberia’s maritime sector. This initiative is critical given the rising cyber threats and the necessity of maintaining security protocols in the face of technological advancements.
LiMA officials, including Deputy Commissioner for Safety Mr. John F. Harvey and other senior management, echoed the Commissioner’s viewpoints regarding the need for enhanced capacity building. Director of Safety Inspection Survey and Audits (SISA), Mr. Emmanuel Dolakeh, stressed the urgency for development in safety inspection capabilities, while Mr. Simeon Cheah, overseeing Maritime Security and the ISPS program, reflected on Liberia’s achievements in maritime safety amid persistent challenges. Their collective insights suggest a unified commitment to improving port safety and a recognition of the intricate relationship between education, capacity, and security.
The visit from the EU mission signifies a pivotal moment for Liberia as it seeks to fortify its port security mechanisms and enhance the resilience of its maritime infrastructure against evolving threats. The collaborative approach between LiMA and the EU exemplifies an important step towards ensuring safer maritime operations within Liberia, with an emphasis on building lasting frameworks that prioritize safety, technological advancement, and overall maritime governance. This partnership has the potential to transform Liberia’s maritime landscape, empowering the country to meet both current and future maritime challenges effectively.
