The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has reaffirmed Liberia’s position as the world’s leading shipping registry, reporting record growth and renewed international recognition during a high-level briefing with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. at the Executive Mansion on Monday.
LiMA Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe disclosed that as of November 1, 2025, the Liberian Registry had reached nearly 300 million gross tons (GT), marking a 3.2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This expansion widened Liberia’s advantage over its nearest competitor by almost 45 million GT, consolidating the country’s dominance in global maritime affairs.
Commissioner Lighe further announced Liberia’s re-election to Category “A” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, the organization’s highest decision-making body. This distinction underscores Liberia’s continued influence in shaping international maritime policy.
According to Lighe, Liberia’s fleet is consistently recognized for its safety standards, environmental compliance, and operational performance. He emphasized that Liberia remains on the IMO Whitelist, a designation reserved for countries that demonstrate consistent adherence to international safety and environmental regulations.
“The Authority remains unwavering in its commitment to preserving and advancing Liberia’s leadership role in global maritime affairs,” Lighe assured, while expressing gratitude to President Boakai for his administration’s sustained support to the sector.
In response, President Boakai praised LiMA for safeguarding the credibility and integrity of Liberia’s maritime program. He urged the Authority to remain focused on serving the national interest while institutionalizing international best practices.
“The maritime sector is a pillar of Liberia’s global reputation. Your stewardship ensures that Liberia continues to stand tall among nations,” Boakai remarked, encouraging LiMA to deepen reforms and maintain transparency in its operations.
The briefing was attended by senior officials including Cllr. Margaret Ansumana, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Maritime Affairs; Mr. Emmanuel Reeves, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Financial Affairs; and Adam Cohen and Elan Cohen, Co-Chairs of the Liberia International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR). Their presence highlighted the collaborative framework underpinning Liberia’s maritime success, combining domestic oversight with international partnerships.
By early 2025, Liberia’s shipping registry managed over 286 million GT, representing approximately 17 percent of the global shipping market. By the final quarter, the fleet expanded close to 300 million GT, reflecting one of the strongest annual growth rates among major international registries.
This trajectory positions Liberia not only as a global leader but also as a benchmark for registry performance, safety, and compliance. Analysts note that Liberia’s ability to sustain growth while meeting international standards strengthens its competitive edge in a sector where credibility and efficiency are paramount.
Liberia’s reaffirmed leadership in the shipping registry signals both economic strength and diplomatic influence. With continued government support, international recognition, and robust compliance mechanisms, the nation is poised to maintain its commanding role in global maritime affairs.
