By Jessica Cox
Liberia is set to host the 8th Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administration ( AAMA), which is scheduled for September 30- October 4, 2025.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) established in 1958 is a specialized UN body with an emphasis on Global International Shipping, it oversees and ensures safety and security for that shifting and the protection of marine lives.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular briefing on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Liberia’s permanent representative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Robert V. Kapdeh announced that Liberia has been allowed to host the Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administration ( AAMA).
Mr Kapdeh also elaborated on Liberia’s success at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He said that Liberia has been placed in the A category which is very significant on the Maritime’s seat.
Category A comprises countries with greater interests and emphasis significance, and Liberia amongst many sits as the pride of Africa. He said that Liberia over the past year has significantly improved on the IMO, it is not only in Category A, but is also a vibrant outstanding, admired, and respected decision maker, and is applauded for its efforts and early due payments in the corridor of the (IMO).
He asserted that Liberia is set to participate as a council member in a bid for re-election to remain in Category A, at the level of the IMO. And Liberia haas started a campaign, have began speaking with countries and is planning on seeking support from the United Nations, the African Union, the ECOWAS and European Union to strengthen it’s bound with them, as Liberia has demonstrated absolute leadership and is resolutely ready to retain the seat.
Meanwhile, he listed several reasons why Liberia should remain on the seat as a Category A decision-maker. These reasons include Liberia being the biggest registry with a fleet size of over five thousand vessels, Liberia being a due payer in the world to the IMO, of which Liberia has paid in full, Liberia demonstrates leadership and works to advance global shipping to humble highs and Liberia currently chairs the NEPC which is the largest constitutional committee of five committees of the IMO.
“I can assured you that with the reciprocal support we are getting from the council members accross the bald state of Africans, Europeans, we can say Liberia will be re elected.” He assured and further noted: “We provide leadership in committees and sub-committees and we participate very actually in planary conversation and decisions emanating from the IMO, to ensure global Maritime Industries safety and security and to protect the environment.”
Mr Robert V. Kapdeh, as Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) seeks the support of all partners, members, and citizens of Liberia in ensuring that Liberia remains in the Category A, at the IMO.
