By Marie Willie
MONROVIA, Oct. 24 (LINA) – Liberia has called for a fair, inclusive and equitable transition to green shipping, emphasizing the need for sustainable financing, technology transfer and technical assistance to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in global efforts to reduce maritime emissions.
The call was made by the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., during an address at the 6th North Bund Forum at Shanghai Maritime University in Shanghai, China.
Lighe outlined Liberia’s position on maritime decarbonization, stressing that while the transition to greener shipping is essential for protecting the marine environment and combating climate change, it must also consider the economic realities and development priorities of developing countries.
“Liberia broadly supports the transition to green shipping,” he said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to environmental protection and international efforts to address climate change.
However, he emphasized that the transition should be guided by the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, climate justice and equitable development.
He noted that developing countries require adequate, predictable and sustainable support to address the economic, structural and operational changes associated with maritime decarbonization.
The LiMA chief identified alternative and low-carbon fuels, energy-efficient vessel technologies, improved operational practices, emissions monitoring systems and investment in port infrastructure as key measures for reducing the environmental impact of global shipping.
He cautioned that implementing these measures could be particularly challenging for developing countries because of limited access to affordable alternative fuels, financing, modern technologies and the infrastructure needed to support their adoption.
According to Lighe, the wider use of fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen will require appropriate safety standards, technical expertise, compatible vessels and reliable bunkering infrastructure.
According to the LiMA statement dated October 21,2026, he also stressed that the environmental benefits of these fuels depend on how they are produced and their overall lifecycle emissions.
He therefore called for practical financing mechanisms, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives to help developing countries participate meaningfully in the transition to green shipping.
Lighe said achieving sustainable maritime transport would require more than regulations and technological advancements, noting that stronger international cooperation, coordinated policies and sustained investment in maritime infrastructure, education and training are equally important.
He also highlighted the importance of effective emissions monitoring, reporting and verification systems in promoting accountability and improving vessel energy efficiency.
Among the regulatory instruments supporting emissions management, he cited the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), as well as the European Union’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification requirements.
He stressed that developing countries would need trained personnel, reliable data systems and stronger institutional capacity to implement these requirements effectively.
The Liberian maritime chief further called for regulatory certainty to guide shipowners, financiers, seafarers, port operators and other industry stakeholders.
He warned that predictable and internationally coordinated rules would be essential to encourage investment, support innovation and prevent unnecessary fragmentation within the global shipping industry.
“No country should be left behind,” Lighe emphasized, underscoring the need to ensure that the transition does not deepen existing inequalities or impose disproportionate burdens on countries with limited financial and technical resources.
As one of the world’s leading ship registries, Liberia remains committed to participating constructively in international discussions and negotiations aimed at advancing green shipping and reducing maritime emissions, he said.
Lighe reaffirmed LiMA’s commitment to supporting the safe adoption of emerging maritime fuels and technologies while working with shipowners and operators whose vessels fly the Liberian flag to promote compliance with applicable international regulations and standards.
He identified governments, international organizations, academic institutions, research centers, shipowners, financiers and technology providers as essential partners in developing the expertise and solutions needed to achieve the transition.
The Commissioner also recognized Shanghai Maritime University’s role in advancing maritime education, research, innovation and international cooperation.
Concluding his address, Lighe described the transition to green shipping as both a challenge and an opportunity to modernize the maritime industry, stimulate innovation and strengthen environmental protection.
He said the success of the transition would depend not only on technological progress and regulatory measures but also on countries’ willingness to cooperate, share knowledge, mobilize resources and distribute the benefits and responsibilities of decarbonization fairly.
For Liberia, he maintained, the objective is to promote a greener, safer and more sustainable shipping industry while respecting the legitimate development aspirations and circumstances of all nations.