Liberia secures top status at the International Maritime Organization
Liberia makes history with a seat in ‘Category A’ of the IMO Council at the 33rd Assembly session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
“This is a historic achievement, which is a culmination of many years of professional work; getting to the top is difficult, but remaining at the top is a more difficult challenge,” said the Maritime Commissioner Lenn Eugene Nagbe who led Liberia’s delegation to the 33rd Assembly.
She added that the country will use its new position to ensure maritime safety and security, local media Front Page Africa reported.
This is not a win for Liberia only but the entire African region. Liberia is now part of the ten-tier Member States overseeing the executive functions of the organization for 2024-2025.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. The IMO Council which is the executive arm of the organization consists of 40 members.
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The last time Liberia secured a “Category A” status was in 1995. The country attempted to restore its status in 2007 and 2009 but failed. The country later in 2011 secured ‘Category C’ status only to lose it in 2019.
‘Category A’ Status is for states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Cllr. Deweh Gray at the IMO Headquarters in London argued that Liberia is deserving of ‘Category A’ because the country is a strategic partner in spearheading global maritime affairs, promoting the objectives of the IMO.
Liberia boasts four operational ports facilitating global maritime trade which makes it possible to supply commodities such as cocoa, iron ore, rubber, and timber to the world market, local media The New Dawn Liberia reported. The country holds the title of the world’s largest shipping registry with a 14 percent share of the world’s oceangoing fleet, totaling over 5,000 vessels.
Liberia has also consistently contributed to the budget of the Organization with its continuing commitment to IMO, making it deserving of the 'Category A' status.
