For the first time in its maritime history, Liberia hosted the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA). The four-day event at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town brought together maritime leaders and professionals from across Africa under the theme “Safeguarding Our Ocean, Promoting Decarbonisation in Shipping, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential”.
Clir Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr, Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Liberia Maritime Authority, opened the conference, describing it as a landmark for a nation long recognized as a global shipping power. He emphasized the importance of shared expertise and collective action to address Africa’s maritime challenges.
He identified piracy, geopolitical instability, weak infrastructure, environmental risks, and poor regulations as major obstacles that no country can solve alone. Lighe noted that AAMA provides the platform for African nations to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and unlock their maritime potential.
He also outlined Liberia’s five-year plan to align with global maritime priorities, focusing on new opportunities in ship recycling, seafaring, bunkering, eco-tourism, and expanding the domestic maritime industry.
AAMA Chairman CPA Omae Nyarandi praised Liberia as a pillar of the global shipping industry and urged African countries to confront piracy, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and climate change. He stressed that Africa’s oceans and waterways are vital to its prosperity, food systems, and energy future, yet their economic potential remains underused.
Chairman of Liberia’s House Committee on Maritime, Austin Taylor, highlighted Africa’s growing influence in global shipping through AAMA’s work, citing stronger compliance with international standards and the appeal of African-flag registration. He called for more investment in African classification societies and Protection & Indemnity Clubs to boost regional maritime capacity.
EU Ambassador Nona Deprez reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Liberia and other African countries through the Global Gateway initiative, which targets investment gaps in key sectors like climate and energy. She emphasized the EU’s commitment to helping Africa build a sustainable maritime future.
As the conference progresses, discussions are focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, promoting shipping decarbonisation, enhancing maritime security, and harnessing Africa’s blue economy opportunities.
source: shipsandports.com.ng
