Liberia has reaffirmed its leadership in global maritime affairs with the payment of £5,527,138.00 (approximately US$7.4 million) to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a strategic move that not only fulfills its 2026 financial obligations but also bolsters its campaign to retain its influential seat on the IMO Council under Category A.
The substantial payment was formally presented by Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Kpadeh, during a symbolic handover ceremony in London. Representing President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., Ambassador Kpadeh delivered a strong message of solidarity and commitment to the IMO’s mission of promoting safe, secure, and environmentally sound shipping.
“In the quest to advance international shipping to higher heights, for the good of humanity, Liberia will continue to be a highly supportive and reliable member state of the IMO,” Kpadeh declared, praising the leadership of IMO Secretary General H.E. Arsenio Dominguez and pledging Liberia’s continuous collaboration.
As the world’s second-largest ship registry and the only African nation serving on the IMO Council’s elite Category A, Liberia’s timely and full contribution underscores not just fiscal responsibility, but also a desire to lead by example. Ambassador Kpadeh emphasized that this act was a “moral responsibility” and an opportunity to inspire other member states to uphold their financial and moral obligations to the global maritime system.
The 2026 dues will support key IMO initiatives, including technical assistance, capacity building, and institutional reform to ensure safer and cleaner oceans.
SG Dominguez expressed appreciation for Liberia’s consistency, stating, “Liberia has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the maritime sector. This payment is more than financial, it’s a vote of confidence in the IMO’s future.”
Liberia’s bold financial step comes at a critical time, as the West African nation actively seeks re-election to the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. The move sends a clear diplomatic signal to member states and stakeholders that Liberia remains not only a maritime giant in terms of registry size, but also a dependable and principled partner in shaping global maritime policy.
With this show of leadership, Liberia is anchoring itself as a trusted voice in international maritime governance and a pillar of sustainability, innovation, and responsibility in an evolving global shipping landscape.
