The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) welcomed a delegation from the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the People’s Republic of China for a technical engagement aimed at strengthening maritime safety, fleet quality, regulatory compliance, and Port State Control cooperation between Liberia and China.
The Chinese delegation was headed by Mr. Gu Biao, Deputy Director of Ship Safety Supervision of the China Maritime Safety Administration.
The visit was conducted under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation between the Liberia Maritime Authority and the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China.
The agreement provides a framework for the exchange of maritime information, technical expertise, best practices, and cooperation on matters relating to maritime safety and the development of international maritime transport.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with technical officials of the Liberia Maritime Authority in a series of activities, including a joint maritime safety inspection, a technical visit to the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI), and technical discussions on fleet quality, regulatory compliance, and Port State Control measures.
The joint inspection provided an opportunity for maritime safety experts from both administrations to assess vessel safety and operational standards while exchanging knowledge on inspection methodologies, statutory certification, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, navigation and communication equipment, lifesaving and firefighting appliances, pollution prevention measures, crew certification, and compliance with applicable international maritime conventions.
Mr. Emmanuel Dolakeh, Director of Safety, Inspection, Survey and Audit and Port State Control at the Liberia Maritime Authority, said the engagement provides an important platform for strengthening Liberia’s maritime safety oversight and improving cooperation with international maritime administrations.
“This joint engagement is important because it allows our technical teams to share practical experience, compare inspection procedures, and identify areas where we can further strengthen compliance and maritime safety. Our objective is not only to identify deficiencies, but to promote a culture of continuous improvement, ensure that vessels meet international standards, and strengthen Liberia’s capacity as a responsible Flag State,” Mr. Dolakeh said.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Gu Biao, Deputy Director of Ship Safety Supervision of the China Maritime Safety Administration and head of the delegation, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two maritime administrations in promoting safe and efficient maritime transportation.
Mr. Gu Biao noted that technical exchanges and joint activities provide valuable opportunities for both sides to share experience, improve regulatory practices, and enhance maritime safety standards.
The delegation also visited the Liberia Maritime Training Institute, where discussions focused on maritime education and training, seafarer competency, practical and simulator-based training, training infrastructure, instructor development, quality assurance, and compliance with international maritime training standards.
The visit further included a technical meeting between representatives of LiMA and MSA focusing on fleet quality and Flag State compliance, with particular attention to vessel condition, maintenance standards, statutory certification, safety management, and effective regulatory oversight.
The two sides also exchanged experiences on Port State Control, including risk-based vessel targeting, inspection procedures, identification and follow-up of deficiencies, detention criteria, corrective actions, and information sharing.
The engagement underscored the shared commitment of Liberia and China to ensuring that vessels operating within the international maritime system meet applicable safety, security, environmental, and operational standards.
The Liberia Maritime Authority said the visit represents an important milestone in the continued implementation of the maritime cooperation agreement between the two countries and will contribute to strengthening Liberia’s maritime regulatory and technical capacity.
The Authority expressed its appreciation to the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China for its continued partnership and technical engagement, noting that sustained cooperation will help advance maritime safety, seafarer development, fleet quality, environmental protection, and effective maritime administration.
Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular technical consultations, strengthening information exchange, exploring additional capacity-building opportunities, and continuing cooperation in areas of mutual interest within the maritime sector.
The Liberia Maritime Authority remains committed to strengthening international partnerships and implementing best practices that support a safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime sector for Liberia and the global shipping community.
