SHAIGHAI, CHINA – Liberia is working to enhance its maritime partnership with China while advocating for greater global cooperation to protect seafarers and tackle the new challenges facing the shipping industry.
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This message was conveyed by Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), during his speech at the Sixth North Bund Forum in Shanghai.
He reiterated Liberia’s dedication to bilateral cooperation and a more inclusive, coordinated approach to international maritime governance.
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Lighe referred to China as a reliable partner, emphasizing the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
He also pointed out the potential for deeper collaboration in areas such as maritime transportation, shipping security, environmental protection, and professional capacity-building.
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Lighe expressed gratitude to China’s Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal Government for their ongoing engagement with Liberia and for providing a platform for international dialogue on the future of shipping and aviation.
At the heart of Liberia’s maritime relationship with China are the Liberia–China Maritime Transport Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control cooperation.
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Lighe notes that these agreements lay a crucial groundwork for effective collaboration, regulatory alignment, and the advancement of safe and efficient international shipping.
Beyond just bilateral ties, the Liberian maritime chief pointed out that the increasing complexity of the global shipping sector necessitates enhanced cooperation through multilateral organizations, especially the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
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He highlighted vessel safety, marine pollution prevention, maritime security, seafarer training, and decarbonization as vital areas that demand collective international efforts.
Additionally, he mentioned the ongoing Liberia–China partnership within the IMO and other global platforms, which includes port state control inspections, capacity-building initiatives, and the acknowledgment of seafarers’ certificates and licenses.
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He also expressed gratitude to China for its support during the December 2025 IMO Council election, where both nations secured positions in Category A, emphasizing their mutual dedication to international maritime issues.
He emphasized that effective multilateral engagement is crucial for ensuring that international maritime rules take into account the interests of all nations, particularly smaller and developing ones. This approach aims to enhance fairness, legitimacy, and shared responsibility in global decision-making.
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A major focus of Lighe’s speech centered on the protection of seafarers, whom he referred to as vital to global trade and the maritime sector.
He called on governments and international partners to turn existing maritime laws and conventions into actionable measures that safeguard seafarers from violence, piracy, harassment, and other dangers to their safety and well-being.
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“Protecting seafarers is not merely a maritime obligation; it is a global responsibility that demand our collective commitment and action,” Lighe stressed.
He indicated that effective protection necessitates ongoing collaboration among flag states, port states, coastal states, shipowners, and various stakeholders across the international shipping industry.
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Liberia’s message at the Shanghai forum highlights the country’s two main goals: to strengthen strategic maritime partnerships and to push for better international protections for those whose labor is essential to global trade.
As a leading flag state, Liberia plays a crucial role in international maritime conversations, which is vital for its involvement in global shipping standards, regulatory collaboration, and the safeguarding of seafarers.
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The Liberia Maritime Authority oversees the management of the Liberian maritime program, promotes the nation’s maritime interests, and represents Liberia in international maritime matters.
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