MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberia will host two major regional maritime meetings in 2027, following a decision by the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control to hold its next committee and bureau meetings in the country.
The meetings will bring together maritime directors, Port State Control officials, ministers and commissioners responsible for maritime affairs from West and Central Africa.
The decision was reached after the 16th Port State Control Committee Meeting and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja MoU, held in Gabon in September 2026. Liberia is scheduled to host the meetings in September 2027.
Liberia to host two maritime meetings
Liberia has been selected to host the 17th Port State Control Committee Meeting and the 4th Bureau Meeting of Ministers and Commissioners Responsible for Maritime Affairs.
The Port State Control Committee meeting will bring together Directors General and heads of Port State Control from member states.
The Bureau meeting will provide a platform for ministers and commissioners to discuss regional maritime priorities and policy direction.
Hosting both events will give Liberia an opportunity to support regional dialogue and cooperation on maritime safety.
Abuja MoU strengthens regional safety
The Abuja MoU provides a framework for cooperation among maritime administrations in West and Central Africa.
It supports the coordination of Port State Control activities and the harmonisation of ship inspection procedures across member states.
The agreement aims to improve maritime safety, environmental protection and compliance with international shipping standards. It also seeks to reduce the operation of substandard ships in the region.
The Abuja MoU comprises 22 member states, according to its official website.
Port State Control explained
Port State Control (PSC) allows maritime authorities to inspect foreign vessels calling at their ports.
These inspections help verify that ships meet international requirements covering safety, security, pollution prevention and seafarers’ working conditions.
Where deficiencies are identified, authorities can require corrective action in line with applicable rules.
Effective PSC helps protect seafarers, coastal environments and maritime trade. Regional coordination also helps improve consistency in inspection standards and information sharing.
Liberia represented at Gabon meetings
Liberia took part in the meetings in Gabon through officials from the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA).
The delegation included John F. Harvey, Deputy Commissioner for Ship Registration and Safety, and Emmanuel M. Dolakeh, Director of Safety Inspections, Surveys and Audits.
Their participation reflects Liberia’s engagement in regional maritime safety and regulatory cooperation.
Regional cooperation remains central
The Abuja MoU enables maritime administrations to exchange experience, coordinate inspections and address common regulatory challenges.
These efforts are important in a region where vessels routinely operate across national maritime boundaries.
Harmonised procedures can help authorities apply international standards more consistently. They can also support the identification of vessels that do not meet required safety and environmental obligations.
The organisation has also worked with international partners, including the International Maritime organisation, to strengthen technical capacity and improve inspection practices.
Liberia’s role in maritime governance
Hosting the 2027 meetings will provide Liberia with a platform to contribute to regional maritime policy discussions.
The events are also expected to encourage further cooperation among maritime administrations, strengthen professional networks and support the exchange of technical knowledge.
For Liberia, the meetings will build on its participation in the Abuja MoU and its wider engagement in international maritime governance.
Focus on safer shipping
Substandard shipping can pose risks to seafarers, ports and the marine environment.
Port State Control is one of the mechanisms used by maritime authorities to identify non-compliant vessels and promote adherence to international conventions.
Regional cooperation strengthens this process by helping authorities share information and align their inspection procedures.
The upcoming meetings will provide member states with an opportunity to review progress, discuss emerging issues and identify areas for further collaboration.
2027 meetings to advance cooperation
The 17th Port State Control Committee Meeting and the 4th Bureau Meeting are scheduled to take place in Liberia in September 2027.
The events will bring together technical and policy-level representatives to discuss the future of Port State Control in West and Central Africa.
Their outcomes could help guide regional efforts to strengthen maritime safety, improve inspection standards and promote compliance with international requirements.
Liberia’s role as host places the country at the centre of these discussions and offers an opportunity to support a more coordinated approach to maritime governance across the region.
Related Stories
- Original MaritimAfrica report
- Abuja MoU official website
- International Maritime organisation
- Liberia Maritime Authority
