Annual contribution accounts for approximately 15 percent of IMO’s operating budget as Liberia reaffirms commitment to safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.
LONDON, United Kingdom — Liberia has paid £5,946,633 (approximately £5.95 million) in annual assessed contributions to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing its position as the organization’s largest financial contributor and one of the leading voices in global maritime governance.
Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., presented a symbolic cheque for the amount to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a ceremony in London on November 6, 2026.
Commissioner Lighe said the timely payment underscores Liberia’s commitment to the IMO, its institutional programs and the continued development of international shipping.
As the world’s largest ship registry, Liberia contributes approximately 15 percent of the IMO’s annual operational budget through its assessed financial contributions.
Speaking during the presentation, Lighe emphasized that Liberia considers its financial obligations to the organization a serious national responsibility, particularly given its influence in the international maritime industry.
“Liberia takes its obligations to the IMO as a serious national obligation. As a global maritime leader and Category-A member of the IMO Council, we remain firmly committed to fulfilling our responsibilities promptly and supporting the Organization’s vital mission of advancing safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable international shipping,” he said.
Receiving the symbolic cheque, Secretary-General Dominguez expressed appreciation to the Liberian Government for meeting its financial obligations on time and maintaining its longstanding commitment to the organization.
Dominguez also recognized that Liberia’s contribution to the IMO extends beyond financial support, highlighting the country’s active participation in the organization’s technical working groups, committees and Council deliberations.
He described Liberia’s representation as effective, efficient and highly engaged, noting its important role in advancing the IMO’s mandate and strengthening international maritime cooperation.
Liberia has consistently maintained an influential presence within the IMO, reflecting the country’s strategic importance to international shipping through its extensive ship registry.
Commissioner Lighe was accompanied at the presentation ceremony by Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh; Alternate Permanent Representative, Dr. Harry Conway; and other officials of the Liberia Permanent Mission to the IMO.
The latest payment further reinforces Liberia’s standing as a responsible flag State, a dependable international maritime partner and a major contributor to global maritime governance.
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