By By Contributor
Liberia has commenced formal preparations for the ratification and implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s 2010 Protocol on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS).
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) convened a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on September 16, 2026, at its headquarters in Monrovia to build awareness about the Protocol and discuss requirements for its domestication.
The move is part of Liberia’s effort to align its maritime regulatory framework with international safety, liability and environmental protection standards ahead of the Protocol’s expected entry into force in November 2027.
Speaking at the opening of the engagement, Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessel Registration and Safety, Mr. John F. Harvey, said broad stakeholder understanding is critical to successful ratification.
“It is important that all relevant stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities as Liberia moves toward the ratification and implementation of this important international instrument,” Harvey said. He urged participants to treat the engagement as a foundation for Liberia’s compliance roadmap.
Technical Officer at Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the IMO, Mr. Tarnue Kpangbala, described the HNS Protocol as a crucial tool for marine environmental protection and sustainable shipping.
He noted that the Protocol establishes an international liability and compensation regime for damage caused by hazardous and noxious substances transported by sea, strengthening preparedness, accountability and compensation mechanisms in the event of incidents involving HNS cargoes.
Kpangbala stressed that effective implementation will require coordinated action among government agencies, maritime operators, industry players and development partners.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together representatives from relevant government institutions and private sector operators to review Liberia’s readiness, identify gaps, and outline next steps toward ratification.
If ratified, the Protocol will enhance Liberia’s capacity as a leading flag state to respond to HNS incidents, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure adequate compensation for affected communities and the environment.
