LiMA Receives IHO Technical Team for Follow-Up Assessment on Liberia’s Prospective Membership
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has received a high-level technical delegation from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for a follow-up assessment visit aimed at advancing discussions on Liberia’s prospective membership in the global hydrographic body and evaluating the comparative benefits of accession.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the visiting IHO delegation held an inception meeting at LiMA’s headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia, during which the team outlined the strategic importance of Liberia’s membership in the IHO and assessed progress made since earlier recommendations.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessels Registration and Safety at LiMA, Mr. John F. Harvey, described the visit as a continuation of previous engagements between Liberia and the IHO, following an earlier assessment of the Liberian maritime sector.
“The IHO technical team is here to assess what has been done since the last recommendations were proffered to Liberia regarding the importance of joining the International Hydrographic Organization, given the country’s stature in the global maritime environment,” Mr. Harvey stated.
He noted that several recommendations made during the IHO’s 2016 visit have since been addressed, despite lingering challenges, largely through a multi-stakeholder approach adopted by the Government of Liberia in managing maritime affairs. Mr. Harvey further encouraged the IHO delegation to support Liberia in areas that align with the organization’s mandate and contribute meaningfully to national maritime development.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the IHO delegation, Dr. John Nyberg, Director of the International Hydrographic Organization, underscored the strategic importance of Liberia’s accession to the organization, particularly in light of the country’s significant role in global shipping.
“Liberia’s membership in the IHO is imperative, given its position in the global maritime space and the need to improve navigational safety through effective hydrographic data collection and transmission to seafarers,” Dr. Nyberg said.
He recalled that the IHO conducted an initial assessment visit to Liberia approximately ten years ago, during which guidance was provided on the steps necessary for Liberia to meet membership requirements.
“This visit is a follow-up to assess what has been done since 2016 regarding Liberia’s preparedness to join the organization, as well as to ascertain the challenges that remain,” Dr. Nyberg added.
Dr. Nyberg also emphasized the need for increased participation from West African states within the IHO, noting that regional representation remains limited.
“In West Africa, only a few countries are members of the IHO. We need more participation from the region, particularly Liberia, because we need you to help guide the organization and ensure the region is well represented,” he concluded.
Liberia is a major player in global maritime affairs, hosting world’s largest ship registry and maintaining a strong presence in international shipping governance. Through the Liberia Maritime Authority, the country regulates maritime safety, vessel registration, port state control, and maritime training, while actively participating in international maritime conventions under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Liberia’s prospective membership in the IHO aligns with its broader commitment to strengthening maritime governance, enhancing navigational safety within its territorial waters, and reinforcing its leadership role in global and regional maritime institutions.
Source : LiMA
