Liberia Strengthens Maritime Sector, Graduates First Batch of Certified Marine Engineers officers

Marshall City, Liberia  – In a significant milestone for Liberia’s growing maritime sector, the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) has graduated 13 certified Marine Engineer Officers at the international level.

By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr(231886458910)-edwin.genoway@frontpageafricaonline.com

This marks the country’s first cohort of Marine Engineer Officers Class-3, a step that elevates Liberia’s status in the global maritime industry and promises to bolster its labor supply for the maritime workforce.

The graduation ceremony, held at LMTI in Marshall City, was attended by key government officials, maritime stakeholders, and international partners, underscoring the importance of this achievement.

These newly certified officers are now equipped with the technical expertise required to serve critical roles on ships, including Chief Engineer and Second Engineer, positions essential to the safe operation of maritime vessels.

Marine Engineers are integral to the functionality of ships. They manage the ship’s propulsion systems, power generation, structural integrity, hydraulic operations, and overall habitability systems.

Their expertise ensures the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of vessels across global trade routes. With the international shipping industry experiencing steady growth, Liberia’s commitment to developing homegrown marine engineers positions the country as a rising maritime labor powerhouse.

Liberia’s International Maritime Authority has worked closely with the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) to align training programs with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.

This partnership ensures that the country’s maritime professionals meet international standards, making them highly competitive in the global job market.

At the graduation ceremony, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), praised the graduates as “pioneers,” emphasizing their role in transforming Liberia from a flag state to a key supplier of maritime labor.

“Today’s graduates represent the future of Liberia’s maritime industry,” Lighe said. “They are laying the foundation for the country to not only be a leader in flag state services but also a critical contributor to the global maritime workforce.”

In his remarks, Mr. Abraham Zaidenberg, Board Chairman of LMTI, shared the institution’s ambitious plans for the future, stating that LMTI aims to double the number of cadets within the next two years and eventually expand its facilities to establish a four-year maritime college by 2025.

This expansion will further cement Liberia’s role in global maritime training and diversify the country’s economy by empowering its citizens to take on prominent roles in the international maritime sector.

International partners, such as d’Amico Shipping Group, were also recognized for their contribution to the success of the program. Their commitment to providing employment opportunities for LMTI graduates aboard international vessels reflects the growing demand for skilled Liberian seafarers worldwide.

Tal Hendler, General Manager of LMTI, called the graduates “trailblazers” ready to lead Liberia into a brighter future on the global maritime stage. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of families and faculty members who have played a pivotal role in the success of the program.

This graduation signifies a pivotal shift for Liberia, aligning with the nation’s broader vision to enhance its maritime sector, build a world-class workforce, and diversify its economy, the head of the LiMA, Neto Leighe said.

“As Liberia’s maritime industry continues to grow, the country is positioning itself as not only a key player in the global shipping registry but also a vital labor supplier in the ever-expanding maritime economy,” Cllr. Neto stated.  

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