Monrovia-Liberia has called for a fair, inclusive and equitable transition to green shipping, emphasizing the need for sustainable financing, technology transfer and technical assistance to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in global efforts to reduce maritime emissions.
The call was made by the Commissioner / CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. in an address delivered at the 6th North Bund Forum at Shanghai Maritime University in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, where he outlined Liberia’s perspective on maritime decarbonization and the challenges facing developing countries.
Commissioner Lighe said green shipping is increasingly becoming the global standard for evaluating ships, ports, fuels and maritime technologies, stressing that the transition must balance environmental sustainability with development priorities and financial capacities of developing nations.
“Liberia broadly supports the transition to green shipping,” Lighe said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting the marine environment and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
However, he emphasized that the transition must reflect the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, climate justice and equitable development, noting that developing countries require adequate, predictable and sustainable support to manage the structural, economic and operational changes associated with maritime decarbonization.
Addressing the pathways to greener maritime transport, the LiMA Commissioner identified the adoption of alternative and low-carbon fuels, energy-efficient vessel technologies, improved operational practices, emissions monitoring systems, and investment in port infrastructure as key measures for reducing the environmental footprint of global shipping.
He cautioned, however, that the implementation of these measures could pose considerable challenges for developing countries, particularly in accessing affordable alternative fuels, securing financing, acquiring new technologies and developing the infrastructure needed to support their use.
According to Liberia Maritime Boss, the wider adoption of fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen will require appropriate safety standards, technical expertise, compatible vessels and reliable bunkering infrastructure. He also noted that the environmental benefits of alternative fuels depend on their production methods and lifecycle emissions.
He called for practical financing mechanisms, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives to enable developing countries to participate meaningfully in the transition.
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. stressed that green shipping cannot be achieved through regulations and technology alone, but requires stronger international cooperation, coordinated policies and sustained investment in maritime infrastructure, education and training.
He highlighted the importance of reliable emissions monitoring, reporting and verification systems in strengthening accountability and improving vessel energy efficiency. He cited the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), alongside the European Union’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification requirements, as examples of regulatory instruments supporting emissions management.
The Liberia Maritime Commissioner/ CEO said developing countries would need trained personnel, reliable data systems and institutional capacity to implement such requirements effectively.
He also called for regulatory certainty to guide shipowners, financiers, seafarers, port operators and other maritime stakeholders, warning that predictable and internationally coordinated rules would be essential to encourage investment, support innovation and avoid unnecessary fragmentation across the shipping industry.
“No country should be left behind,” Lighe emphasized, underscoring the need to ensure that the global transition does not deepen existing inequalities or impose disproportionate burdens on countries with limited financial and technical resources.
As one of the world’s leading ship registries, Liberia remains committed to engaging constructively in international discussions and negotiations aimed at advancing green shipping and maritime decarbonization, Lighe said.
He reaffirmed the Liberia Maritime Authority’s commitment to supporting the safe adoption of emerging maritime fuels and technologies and working with shipowners and operators whose vessels fly the Liberian flag to promote compliance with applicable international regulations and standards.
He identified governments, international organizations, academic institutions, research centers, shipowners, financiers and technology providers as essential partners in developing the expertise and solutions required for the transition.
Lighe specifically recognized the role of Shanghai Maritime University in advancing maritime education, research, innovation and international cooperation.
Concluding his address, Commissuoner Lighe described the transition to green shipping as both a challenge and an opportunity to modernize the maritime industry, stimulate innovation and strengthen environmental protection.
He said the success of the transition would depend not only on technological advances and regulatory measures, but also on the willingness of countries to cooperate, share knowledge, mobilize resources and distribute the benefits and responsibilities of decarbonization fairly.
For Liberia, he maintained, the objective is to advance a greener, safer and more sustainable shipping industry while respecting the legitimate development aspirations and circumstances of all nations.
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