MONROVIA – Liberia’s maritime security capabilities received a significant boost on Friday as the European Union officially handed over two patrol boats to the Government of Liberia to support efforts aimed at combating maritime crimes and improving safety along the country’s coastline.
The two Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) were donated through the European Union-funded Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) Project during a ceremony held at the Headquarters of the Liberia Coast Guard on Bushrod Island.
The event brought together senior government officials, representatives of the European Union, development partners, and members of the Armed Forces of Liberia, highlighting the growing collaboration between Liberia and international partners in addressing maritime security challenges.
Officials said the patrol boats are expected to strengthen the operational capacity of the Liberia Coast Guard by improving surveillance, enforcement, and response capabilities within Liberia’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Liberia’s Minister of National Defense, Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Ret.), praised the European Union and its partners for their continued investment in regional security initiatives.
She described the donation as more than a transfer of equipment, emphasizing that it reflects a strong partnership and a shared commitment to maintaining peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa.
According to Minister George, the Gulf of Guinea continues to face serious maritime threats, including illegal fishing, drug trafficking, smuggling, piracy, and other forms of transnational organized crime. She noted that the newly donated boats, coupled with specialized training provided under the SWAIMS Project, will significantly improve the Liberia Coast Guard’s ability to respond to such threats and enforce maritime regulations.
The Head of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Dr. Anna Brzozowska, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to secure its maritime domain.
She said strengthening the operational capabilities of the Liberia Coast Guard remains critical to addressing maritime-related crimes and ensuring safer waters for economic and commercial activities.
Dr. Brzozowska also congratulated members of the Liberia Coast Guard who successfully completed training in the operation and maintenance of the patrol boats and received certificates during the program.
Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the event, Acting President and Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, expressed the government’s appreciation to the European Union and its partners for their continued support.
He described the donation as an important milestone in Liberia’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect its territorial waters from emerging threats.
According to Tweh, the patrol boats will not only improve Liberia’s maritime enforcement capabilities but will also contribute to broader regional efforts aimed at promoting a secure and prosperous maritime environment throughout West Africa.
The donation forms part of the SWAIMS Project, a regional maritime security initiative designed to strengthen safety, governance, and cooperation across West African coastal states through technical assistance, training programs, and strategic equipment support.
Security experts believe the addition of the patrol boats will enhance Liberia’s ability to monitor its waters, combat maritime crimes, and support regional efforts to secure one of Africa’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
About The Author
