Liberia Celebrates First Locally Trained Ship Captains as Maritime Sector Evolves

Liberia has taken a major step toward localizing its maritime sector, as the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) officially welcomed two Liberian ship captains: Sam Jabbah, a marine pilot, and William Adolphus Lassanah, a tugboat captain.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, May 22, at LiMA’s headquarters in Congo Town, brought together senior officials from APM Terminals, Svitzer, and LiMA.

The two captains completed extensive international training through a joint initiative by APM Terminals and Svitzer, aimed at developing homegrown maritime professionals. Their achievement is being hailed as a breakthrough in a sector traditionally dominated by foreign nationals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., called the moment “a proud and defining milestone” for Liberia. “This is not just about two individuals; it is about Liberia claiming its place in the global maritime space through its own people,” he said.

“With the Port of Monrovia moving to a three-shift system, we urgently need qualified Liberians at the helm. Jabbah and Lassanah are leading the way, and they reflect the gold standard of professionalism and safety we expect moving forward.”

Both captains trained at prestigious institutions abroad, including in South Africa, Spain, the United States, and Bahrain.

Two more Liberians are currently undergoing engineering training, further underscoring the government’s push to build a self-sustaining, locally led maritime industry.

Source : LiMA