By By: Alphanso Kalama
Liberia is set to host two major regional maritime meetings next year — the 17th Port State Control Committee Meeting of Directors General and Heads of Port State Control, and the 4th Bureau Meeting of Ministers and Commissioners responsible for maritime affairs.
The decision was reached at the close of the 16th Port State Control Committee Meeting and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control, held in Gabon.
The Abuja MoU serves as the framework for maritime authorities in West and Central Africa to coordinate port state control activities and harmonize inspection procedures. With 22 member countries comprising coastal states across both regions, its core mandate is to strengthen maritime safety standards and eliminate substandard shipping.
Liberia was represented at the Gabon meetings by the Liberia Maritime Authority’s Deputy Commissioner for Vessel Registration and Safety, John F. Harvey, and the Director for Safety, Inspection, Survey and Audit, Emmanuel M. Dolakeh.
The selection of Liberia as host underscores the country’s growing influence in regional maritime governance. As the world’s largest flag state by registry, Liberia’s hosting role will provide a platform to advance regional cooperation, promote effective port state control implementation, and contribute to the elimination of unsafe and non-compliant vessels operating along the West and Central African coast.
LiMA said the hosting will further strengthen Liberia’s position as a leading maritime state in the region and highlight its commitment to shaping maritime policy, improving safety oversight, and raising standards across Africa’s shipping industry.
