By Alexander Nyeneken
September 18, 2026
Liberia is moving to expand its largely underutilized coastal transportation network, with the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) advancing plans to procure a modern multi-purpose ferry capable of carrying passengers, vehicles, containers, and heavy equipment.
The proposed ferry is expected to transport trucks, buses, SUVs, earth-moving machinery, containers, other vehicles, and passengers, potentially providing an alternative means of moving people and goods along Liberia’s coastline while complementing the country’s road network.
LiMA Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., says the project is part of broader efforts to harness Liberia’s coastline as an economic and transportation asset.
He argues that Liberia has significant economic potential along its coastline that remains insufficiently utilized.
“Liberia must begin to fully utilize the enormous economic potential of its coastline and maritime resources,” Lighe said.
According to the Maritime Authority, the proposed ferry service would not simply focus on passenger transportation but could become part of a wider coastal logistics system designed to improve the movement of commercial goods and equipment.
The project is being considered under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, under which the government, through LiMA, would provide regulatory oversight while a private-sector partner would be expected to bring investment, operational expertise, and commercial management.
The proposed arrangement would also establish responsibilities for vessel maintenance, safety, environmental compliance, revenue management, customer service, and day-to-day operations.
Lighe said the government wants the initiative to meet applicable safety, environmental, and operational standards.
“Through the Public-Private Partnership model, we intend to combine Government oversight with private-sector expertise and investment to deliver a sustainable service that benefits the Liberian people,” he said.
Potential Economic Impact
LiMA says the ferry project could generate employment and skills-development opportunities while supporting coastal commerce and encouraging additional private-sector investment in Liberia’s maritime sector.
The authority also believes the project could create opportunities for Liberian seafarers and other maritime professionals and contribute to regional trade.
However, the success of the initiative is likely to depend on several factors, including the cost of acquiring and maintaining the vessel, the reliability and affordability of the service, availability of appropriate coastal infrastructure, passenger and cargo demand, and the effectiveness of the proposed public-private partnership.
The government says the vessel and its operations will be required to comply with Liberian laws and applicable international maritime safety, security, and environmental standards.
As planning continues, LiMA says it will consult government institutions, private-sector stakeholders, coastal communities, maritime professionals, and other partners to assess the project’s technical, commercial, safety, and economic viability.
The proposed ferry comes as Liberia seeks to strengthen its maritime infrastructure and reduce reliance on its road network for the movement of people and heavy cargo.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could give Liberia another transportation option while placing greater emphasis on the country’s coastline as a potential contributor to national economic development.
