Liberia has joined over 1,300 delegates from around the world in London for the 83rd Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a potentially game-changing meeting set to redefine the future of international shipping.
Scheduled to run from April 7 to April 11 at the IMO Headquarters in London, this session has drawn intense global attention as it aims to adopt key midterm greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures in line with the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy. The strategy charts a bold course toward the decarbonization of international shipping by—or around—the year 2050.
Heading the Liberian delegation is Ambassador Robert Wilmont Kpadeh the country’s Permanent Representative to the IMO. Liberia enters these talks with a clear and principled position: any measures adopted must be “just and equitable” and must “leave no one behind,” especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The session is expected to adopt crucial policies focused on curbing carbon emissions from ships, particularly through the deployment of alternative fuels and cleaner technologies. For Liberia, the stakes are high—not just environmentally but economically and strategically.
The 83rd MEPC session will be chaired by Dr. Harry Conway, Liberia’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO. His role at the helm of what is widely considered the IMO’s most significant committee in light of global decarbonization efforts is a source of immense national pride.
“Dr. Conway’s leadership during such a consequential session reflects not only Liberia’s growing diplomatic and technical stature within global maritime affairs but also the country’s commitment to playing a constructive and leading role in shaping the future of sustainable shipping,” the Liberia Permanent Mission noted.
Liberia, the world’s largest open maritime registry with over 5,000 vessels accounting for about 15 percent of global shipping tonnage, has emerged as a central player in maritime governance and reform. The country’s influence is not only symbolic but practical—Liberia holds a prestigious Category A seat on the IMO Council, a position it will seek to retain during the December 2025 IMO elections.
The Mission underscored that the country’s contribution to global trade, particularly through its registry, also places it in a strong position to support its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“Liberia’s voice matters in international maritime security and decarbonization discussions,” said one senior diplomat. “Our role directly impacts the movement of 80 percent of global trade. We are not just observers—we are stakeholders.”
Beyond the climate and geopolitical implications, Liberia sees significant developmental opportunities emerging from the green shipping transition. The midterm GHG measures under discussion could open the door for substantial investment in Liberia’s port infrastructure, preparing it for next-generation vessels that are GHG compliant.
Moreover, the Permanent Mission emphasized the potential for long-term economic growth through renewable energy development, including solar and wind to power critical installations like ports, schools, and hospitals. The shift to greener vessels also brings opportunities for training Liberian seafarers in emerging technologies, enhancing the nation’s maritime workforce.
There is growing optimism that Liberia’s assertive and collaborative engagement at MEPC 83 could catalyze increased public-private partnerships, attract green investments, and foster innovation across Liberia’s maritime and energy sectors.
As discussions intensify in London, the Liberia Permanent Mission is calling on the Government of Liberia to remain closely attuned to the outcomes of the MEPC 83 session. The Mission emphasized that the nation’s proactive engagement in these global processes is not only vital for international visibility but crucial for national development and economic transformation.
The Liberia delegation is expected to continue its cooperation with other Member States—particularly those representing vulnerable economies—to forge consensus on pathways that are just, equitable, and mindful of different national capabilities and responsibilities.
Courtesy: LiMA
