MONROVIA – As the Liberian parlance goes, ‘You cannot kill an elephant and eat dry rice”. For nearly eight decades now, Liberia has maintained a revered place in the world maritime field, almost intermittently wining the appellation of the world’s biggest ship registry. Clarkson’s World Fleet Monitor (WFR), an ultimate data and intelligence tool across Fleet, Eco Technology, Environmental Regulations and Markets, is the witness. Yet, democracy requires that Liberia must fight its way to maintain the top seat in the global maritime industry, which is why Liberia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, in collaboration with The Liberian Embassy, is fighting on to maintain the top status. The Analyst reports.
The Liberian Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, The United Kingdom headed by Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, in collaboration with The Liberian Embassy to the Court of St. James is expected to, on Monday May 26, 2025 at 6pm to 10pm London time officially launch Liberia’s campaign for re-election to ‘Category A’ on the IMO Council.
The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
IMO ‘Category A’ is comprised of 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.
These 10 nations for the 2024-2025 biennium are: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This ultimately makes Liberia the only African nation in that Category.
In an effort to maintain her Category A status, thereby continuing as one of the 10 nations that have the most significant involvement in policy and decision making in the global shipping industry, Liberia is putting forth her bid once again.
The launch will be commemorated with an evening dinner hosted on the cruise boat “SILVER BARRACUDA” riding along the Thames River in London, The United Kingdom. Several high-level dignitaries and delegations accredited to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia and the Liberia Maritime Authority are expected to grace the auspicious occasion in honor of Liberia.
As a founding member of the IMO, since 1949, Liberia has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the shipping industry, and this effort to retain her seat in the top level of the IMO for the 2026 to 2027 biennium is a plus for Liberia.
Liberia is currently the highest annual due payer to the IMO and pays its dues on time. Liberia has the largest ship registry in the world with over 5000 vessels sailing International waters. This is obtaining under the stellar leadership of Maritime Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe.
The Liberia registry is venerated for upholding high standard as attested by its ‘WHITELIST’ status in compliance with various MOUs, including the Paris and Tokyo MOUs.
Liberia currently chairs the largest Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO and is playing leadership roles in various IMO Committees, Subcommittees, and working groups.
Liberia is a global maritime Leader and commands enormous respect from fellow IMO member states for its incredible leadership in global shipping.
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