Partnership to enhance port security

Liberia Maritime Authority partners with EU

LIBERIA: The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) is exploring a new partnership with the European Union (EU) aimed at enhancing port safety and security in the country.

Commissioner Cllr Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr held discussions with an expert mission from the French and Belgian Technical Cooperation agencies: Expertise France and Enabel, to potentially integrate Liberia's seaports into an EU-funded project on port safety this week.

The EU-funded project aims to address port security by enhancing measures against cybersecurity threats as ports increasingly move toward digitization. The initiative would also evaluate industrial risks related to the handling of dangerous goods, assess International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) compliance, and offer technical assistance to boost capacity building.

“The support of the European Union through this new project would prove pivotal to our vision for the safety of seagoing activities,” said Commissioner Lighe, Sr as he highlighted the intention to send more Liberians to study at the World Maritime University (WMU).

Emmanuel Dolakeh, Director of Safety Inspection Survey and Audits (SISA), highlighted the urgent need for capacity building within the department, while Simeon Cheah, Director of Maritime Security and Head of Liberia’s ISPS program, outlined the country’s progress in maritime safety despite ongoing challenges.

The EU mission’s visit marks a critical step toward strengthening Liberia’s port security and ensuring the resilience of its maritime infrastructure in the face of emerging threats.

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