The Sea King, a new vessel funded through a partnership between the Government of Liberia and the World Bank, was commissioned Monday in a ceremony that government and development officials said marks a step forward in the country’s push to develop a modern, inclusive fisheries sector.
Georgia Wallen, World Bank Liberia Country Manager said the Sea King is “far more than the launch of a vessel.”
It supports Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Economic Development (AAID) by advancing the semi-industrial segment of the sector while reinforcing investments in artisanal fishing and strengthening the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, she said.
“The Sea King is a national asset of Liberia,”
Wallen noted the vessel was made possible through the World Bank-supported Sustainable Management of Fisheries project. She described the commissioning as part of a long-term vision for a fisheries industry that combines safe, secure, profitable artisanal fishing with regulated semi-industrial activity to harness Liberia’s marine resources sustainably.
The World Bank official outlined four priorities to realize the sector’s potential: sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation and skills—particularly for women and youth; continued strengthening of NAFAA’s institutional capacity for monitoring, surveillance and enforcement; inclusive stakeholder engagement among government, communities, private sector and development partners; and partnerships linking private commercial operators with artisanal fishers through shared infrastructure and value-chain development.
“Both artisanal and semi-industrial fishing have a role in helping Liberians to harness the country’s immense marine resources in a sustainable manner,” she said, adding that the sector could increase food security domestically and help build an export industry for the region and beyond.
The World Bank and Liberian authorities framed the Sea King as a demonstration of shared commitment to building a “modern, well-regulated, and inclusive” industry. Wallen also commended NAFAA’s leadership and technical teams for their role in advancing the sector and facilitating collaboration between government, communities and partners.
Officials and stakeholders at the ceremony said the Sea King will support monitoring and surveillance and expand the operational capacity needed to promote responsible fisheries management, boost economic opportunities along the coast, and catalyze private investment across the value chain.
