Liberia tells IMO seafarers must not be war targets
Liberia's Maritime Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. voiced concern over attacks in key shipping lanes.
Liberia has urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that seafarers should not be targeted in ongoing conflicts affecting global shipping lanes. Maritime Commissioner and CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. stated this on Tuesday, November 3, at the IMO Council's 138th session, highlighting grave concerns over persistent attacks in the Black Sea, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and other critical waterways. Thousands of seafarers and their vessels are currently trapped by military operations in these waters.
Commissioner Lighe stressed that seafarers are innocent civilians whose work is essential for international trade and the global economy, and they must not become casualties of geopolitical hostilities. He noted that these "unwarranted attacks" endanger crews, damage vessels, disrupt trade, and have tragically claimed lives. Liberia extended condolences to the families of seafarers killed in these incidents.
Liberia's plea carries significant weight as it is the world's largest ship registry, representing about 17 percent of the global fleet. Ships flying the Liberian flag have been directly affected by attacks, including the Liberian-flagged Express Rome struck on March 11 and the Minoan Pioneer hit by a projectile on August 3. The Liberian Maritime Authority has ordered its flagged ships to the highest security level following these events.
Why it mattersLiberia, as the world's largest ship registry, has a direct stake in the safety of seafarers and the security of international shipping lanes due to potential revenue loss and damage to its flagged vessels.