MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia is planning to introduce a modern ferry that could change the way people, vehicles and goods move along the country’s coastline.
By Edwin Genoway
The project is being led by the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), which is working on plans to acquire a multi-purpose ferry capable of carrying passengers, trucks, buses, SUVs, containers and heavy equipment.
The idea is to give Liberians another way to travel and move goods, especially between coastal communities. The ferry would not replace Liberia’s roads but would provide another transportation option.
LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., said Liberia has not fully used the economic opportunities offered by its coastline.
“Liberia must begin to fully utilize the enormous economic potential of our coastline and maritime resources,” Lighe said. According to the Commissioner, the ferry project is about more than buying a vessel.
He said the goal is to build a modern coastal transportation system that can connect communities, move goods faster, support businesses and create jobs.
“This initiative is about more than acquiring a ferry; it is about creating a modern coastal transportation system that connects communities, moves goods more efficiently, supports commerce, creates jobs, and opens new opportunities for regional trade,” he said.
Under the plan, the ferry would be operated through a Public-Private Partnership, commonly called a PPP. This means the government would provide oversight and make sure the service follows the law, while a private company would provide investment, management and technical experience.
The partnership would also define who is responsible for important areas such as vessel maintenance, passenger safety, environmental protection, revenue management and customer service.
Lighe said safety and accountability would be important parts of the project. “We are committed to ensuring that any ferry service developed under this initiative meets the highest applicable standards of safety, environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and accountability,” he said.
He added that the government wants to combine its responsibility to protect the public with private-sector investment and experience.
The planned ferry could also create new opportunities for Liberian workers. LiMA says the project could provide jobs, training and skills development for people working in the maritime sector, including Liberian seafarers and other maritime professionals.
The project could also help businesses that transport goods along the coast. Instead of depending only on roads, companies could potentially use the ferry to move trucks, containers, equipment and other cargo.
LiMA said the vessel and its operations would have to follow Liberian laws as well as international rules on maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
As the plan moves forward, LiMA said it will consult with government agencies, private businesses, coastal communities, maritime workers and other stakeholders.
The purpose of those discussions will be to determine whether the project is technically possible, financially sustainable and able to meet Liberia’s transportation needs.
For the government, the larger goal is to make Liberia’s coastline an important part of the country’s economy. If successfully developed, the ferry project could give coastal communities another transportation link while supporting trade, employment and investment.
The initiative is therefore being presented by LiMA as part of a broader effort to use Liberia’s coastline and maritime resources to support national development.
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