By Marie Willie
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has begun developing new legal and regulatory safeguards to guide the expansion of Liberia’s maritime sector.
The safeguards will cover emerging maritime activities, including shipbuilding, sand mining and other subsectors, as Liberia seeks to attract investment, promote industrial growth and create employment opportunities.
According to the LiMA statement dated October. 7, 2026, the initiative is being jointly led by LiMA’s Legal Services and Marine Environmental Protection departments.
LiMA says the effort is intended to ensure that the expansion of the maritime economy is supported by strong regulatory frameworks that protect Liberia’s marine environment and promote responsible and sustainable development.
A special committee comprising legal experts and environmental professionals has been established to draft the necessary legal instruments for regulating activities in the emerging subsectors.
Speaking on the initiative, LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., said the Authority is committed to ensuring that the growth of Liberia’s maritime sector is properly regulated.
“As we expand Liberia’s maritime sector and open the door to new investments and employment opportunities, we must also ensure that this growth is properly regulated,” Cllr. Lighe said.
He said the necessary legal safeguards must be put in place to prevent future environmental and economic challenges, emphasizing that sustainable maritime development requires strong laws, clear standards and responsible practices.
Meanwhile, LiMA Director of Legal Services, Atty. Augustus S. Karr, said the special committee was established under the direction of the Commissioner and CEO to develop comprehensive regulatory frameworks for emerging maritime activities.
Atty. Karr said the proposed regulations will establish clear legal requirements for operators and provide safeguards against activities that could negatively affect Liberia’s marine ecosystems.
He noted that the development of the legal instruments is important as Liberia explores new opportunities across its maritime domain.
According to him, the drafting process will also involve consultations with key stakeholders.
He disclosed that after the draft instruments are completed, LiMA will organize a consultative workshop to review the proposed regulations, receive technical input and ensure broader stakeholder participation.
The recommendations from the consultations will then inform further review of the draft instruments before they are submitted to the LiMA Board of Directors for consideration and approval.
The initiative is part of LiMA’s broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s maritime governance and ensure that the country’s maritime resources support economic growth, investment and employment while protecting the marine environment.