MONROVIA – The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Liberia to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London—headed by Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh—in collaboration with the Liberian Embassy to the Court of St. James, will formally launch Liberia’s campaign for re-election to Category A of the IMO Council on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (London time).
The event will be celebrated aboard the elegant cruise boat Silver Barracuda, gliding along the iconic Thames River in London. This distinguished gathering will bring together high-level dignitaries, diplomatic missions accredited to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as senior officials from Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberia Maritime Authority.
As the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution from ships, the IMO plays a vital role in global maritime governance.
Category A comprises the 10 member states with the greatest interest in providing international shipping services. For the 2024–2025 biennium, these nations include: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Liberia stands proudly as the only African nation among them.
In pursuit of continued influence and leadership at the highest level of global maritime decision-making, Liberia is once again presenting its candidacy for the 2026–2027 term.
Liberia’s maritime credentials are formidable. As a founding member of the IMO since 1949, Liberia has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the global maritime landscape.
The country maintains the world’s largest ship registry, with over 5,000 vessels operating across international waters—a testament to the exceptional leadership of Maritime Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe.
Liberia is also the largest annual contributor to the IMO’s budget and is known for its prompt and reliable payment of dues. Its registry is internationally respected for its adherence to rigorous standards, proudly earning and maintaining ‘White List’ status under both the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Furthermore, Liberia currently chairs the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, the largest of its kind, and holds leadership positions across various IMO committees, subcommittees, and working groups.
Liberia’s commitment to maritime excellence and global shipping policy is unwavering. This re-election campaign reaffirms Liberia’s status as a global maritime leader, widely respected by its peers within the IMO for its strategic foresight, technical expertise, and proactive engagement on the international stage.
