By By: The People News
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has welcomed a senior technical team from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for a follow-up evaluation visit focused on progressing discussions around Liberia’s potential accession to the global hydrographic body and examining the benefits associated with membership.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2026, the IHO delegation convened an inception meeting at LiMA’s Congo Town headquarters in Monrovia, where discussions centered on the strategic value of Liberia joining the IHO and a review of steps taken since recommendations issued during earlier engagements.
Addressing the meeting, LiMA’s Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessels Registration and Safety, John F. Harvey, said the visit builds on longstanding cooperation between Liberia and the IHO, following a previous assessment of the country’s maritime sector.
He explained that the technical team’s mission was to evaluate progress made since earlier guidance was provided on the significance of Liberia becoming a member of the IHO, particularly given Liberia’s prominent standing in the global maritime arena.
According to Harvey, a number of recommendations made during the IHO’s 2016 visit have been implemented, although some challenges remain. He attributed much of the progress to a coordinated, multi-agency approach adopted by the Government of Liberia in managing maritime issues and encouraged the IHO to continue supporting Liberia in areas consistent with the organization’s mandate and national maritime priorities.
Speaking on behalf of the IHO, Director Dr. John Nyberg highlighted the importance of Liberia’s membership, citing the country’s influential role in international shipping and the need to strengthen navigational safety through reliable hydrographic data collection and dissemination.
Dr. Nyberg recalled that the IHO carried out its initial assessment mission to Liberia nearly a decade ago, during which it outlined the requirements Liberia needed to meet for membership. He said the current visit is intended to assess progress since 2016 and to identify outstanding gaps that must still be addressed.
He also pointed to the limited representation of West African countries within the IHO, stressing the need for greater regional participation. Dr. Nyberg noted that Liberia’s involvement would help strengthen the organization and ensure West Africa has a stronger voice in hydrographic and navigational matters.
Liberia remains a key actor in global maritime affairs, operating the world’s largest ship registry and playing an active role in international shipping governance. Through LiMA, the country oversees maritime safety, ship registration, port state control, and maritime training, while implementing global maritime conventions under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Liberia’s planned accession to the IHO is consistent with its broader efforts to enhance maritime governance, improve navigational safety in its waters, and solidify its leadership position within regional and international maritime institutions.
