By Amos Harris
VIRGINIA, USA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has visited the Virginia office of the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), where he received a comprehensive briefing on the growth, performance, and global operations of Liberia’s maritime registry.
The high-level visit brought together senior leadership from the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), including Deputy Commissioner for Finance Emmanuel Nuku Reeves, Deputy Commissioner for Operations Cllr. Margarete Ansumana, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, and Deputy Commissioner for Vessel Registration Yvonne Clinton.
During the briefing, LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. updated President Boakai on the Registry’s operational performance, global expansion, and strategic significance to Liberia’s standing in international commerce.
According to the presentation, the Liberian Shipping Registry maintains its position as the world’s largest ship registry, leading major maritime flags including Panama and The Bahamas. Official attributes the fleet’s steady expansion and strong global appeal to Liberia’s consistent emphasis on high maritime standards, operational efficiency, and strict regulatory compliance.
Commissioner Lighe expressed deep gratitude to President Boakai for visiting the Virginia facility, marking a historical milestone for the maritime administration. He noted that President Boakai is the first sitting Liberian chief executive to visit the office, characterizing the tour as a strong statement of executive support for the country’s maritime program.
The interactive session provided President Boakai with firsthand insights into the Registry’s latest achievements, service delivery frameworks, and strategic plans to preserve Liberia’s leadership in global shipping.
President Boakai was accompanied on the delegation by Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh; National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods; and Minister of State Without Portfolio Mamaka Bility.
The executive engagement highlights the administration’s strategic focus on the maritime sector as a critical driver of national revenue, economic growth, and international diplomatic engagement.