Liberia is once again dipping its toes into the waters of shipbuilding as a team of skilled Chinese engineers begins constructing vessels in the coastal town of Marshall, Margibi County. According to Deputy Labor Inspector Darius K. Weamie, a total of three ships are expected to be built under the project, a development he says will create hundreds of jobs for Liberians.
Weamie made the disclosure during a recent inspection, hailing the initiative as a major boost for industrial growth and employment in Liberia. “This project is not just about ships. It’s about capacity building, job creation, and confidence in Liberia’s ability to re-enter a space we once explored,” he stated.
The news has stirred mixed emotions among Liberians, given the country’s history with maritime tragedies. Many still remember the sinking of the Niko Ivankar, a Liberian-owned and registered vessel that tragically went down on July 17, 2021. The ship had departed the Freeport of Monrovia en route to the Port of Harper in Maryland County before it disappeared at sea. The incident claimed the lives of at least a dozen passengers, with two individuals still unaccounted for. The total property loss from that disaster remains unknown.
Despite the painful memories of Niko Ivankar, the current project in Marshall is being seen by some as a chance to rewrite that history, with better oversight, international expertise, and job opportunities for local technicians, welders, and engineers.
It remains unclear under which partnership or investment framework the shipbuilding is taking place, or whether the ships are being constructed for domestic use or international clients. However, local authorities say the process is ongoing and will soon be opened to the media and the public for observation.
As Liberia once again navigates the uncertain waters of shipbuilding, questions linger about regulation, safety standards, and sustainability. But for now, the people of Marshall, and perhaps the nation at large, are watching closely as hulls rise on Liberian soil.
