Sea King Commissioning Heralds ‘Blue Transformation’ for Liberia’s Fisheries

World Bank Hails New Vessel as Key Step in Boosting Investment and Capacity

Monrovia, Liberia — The commissioning of the Sea King vessel today was celebrated as a significant milestone in Liberia’s economic development strategy, particularly in enhancing the nation’s fisheries sector. World Bank Liberia Country Manager, Georgia Wallen, highlighted the vessel as a signal of a broader economic transformation, aligning with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Economic Development (AAID).

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Wallen stated, “This is far more than the launch of a vessel. It signals a broader step in the economic transformation ambition that is at the heart of the ARREST Agenda.” She noted that Liberia aims to develop a thriving, investment-ready fisheries sector capable of delivering jobs, innovation, and strong private-sector partnerships.

The Sea King, which was made possible through a strong partnership between the Government of Liberia and the World Bank via the Sustainable Management of Fisheries project, is specifically intended to boost the development of Liberia’s semi-industrial fishing segment.

Ms. Wallen stressed that this progress must occur “in full harmony with artisanal fishers and coastal communities,” which she affirmed “will always be the backbone of the coastal economy.”

“The Sea King is a national asset of Liberia,” she declared, reflecting a shared focus on building a modern, well-regulated, and inclusive industry. The vessel’s commissioning is seen as a step towards a long-term vision where safe, secure, and profitable artisanal fishing is complemented by a growing semi-industrial fleet.

Ms. Wallen pointed out that the fisheries sector has immense potential to increase food security locally while simultaneously nurturing an export industry that can help feed the wider region and the world.

To fully realize Liberia’s ambitious vision for its “Blue Transformation,” the World Bank Country Manager outlined four key focus areas:

• Sustained Investment: Investing in infrastructure, innovation, and skills to empower fishers—especially women and youth—to benefit from job opportunities and fully participate in the Blue Transformation.
• Strengthened NAFAA Capacity: Continuing efforts to strengthen the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA)’s institutional capacity for effective monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement of fair, data-driven regulations. This is crucial for safety at sea and responsible fisheries management.
• Inclusive Engagement: Maintaining a strong commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement and communication. This involves transparent decision-making that includes the government, artisanal fishers, the private sector, coastal communities, and development partners.
• Promoting Partnerships: Fostering partnerships that link private commercial operators with artisanal fishers through shared infrastructure, value-chain development, and skills transfer, with NAFAA playing an essential role in ensuring private investment drives shared prosperity.

Ms. Wallen concluded by recognizing the leadership and dedication of NAFAA’s technical teams and extended congratulations to the people of Liberia on the new national asset, the Sea King, celebrating the milestone as a joint achievement.