MONROVIA-The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), is proposing the procurement of a modern, multi-purpose ferry designed to transform the movement of people and cargo along Liberia’s coastline and, where applicable, to neighboring coastal countries.
According to LiMA Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., the proposed ferry will be capable of transporting containers, earth-moving equipment, trucks, buses, SUVs, other vehicles, and passengers.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening coastal connectivity, maritime transportation, regional trade, and logistics, while providing an alternative and complementary means of transportation, particularly for coastal communities and areas where road access may be constrained.
Under the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, the Government, through LiMA, will provide the appropriate public-sector framework and oversight, while a private-sector partner is expected to bring operational expertise, investment, and commercial management capabilities.
The partnership will establish clear responsibilities covering vessel operations, maintenance, maritime safety, revenue management, and overall service delivery.
If implemented, the project could further position Liberia’s maritime sector as an important driver of economic activity, employment, coastal commerce, logistics, and regional integration, while ensuring compliance with applicable Liberian laws and international maritime safety and environmental standards.