MONROVIA — Labour policy researcher and Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA) Executive Director George Sahr Tengbeh has called for greater transparency, stronger legislative oversight and deliberate investment in Liberian seafarers, arguing that the country's status as home to the world's largest ship registry has yet to translate into broad-based economic benefits for ordinary citizens.
In a policy paper, Tengbeh praised Liberia's maritime registry as one of the nation's greatest international achievements but questioned why the sector has not significantly reduced unemployment or created more opportunities for Liberians.
"That question deserves an honest national conversation," Tengbeh said, referring to the disconnect between Liberia's global maritime success and the country's persistent poverty and joblessness.
Liberia, through the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), administers the world's largest open ship registry, with more than 6,000 commercial vessels representing over 300 million gross tons flying the Liberian flag.
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Tengbeh noted that while the registry has earned global recognition and attracted some of the world's largest shipping companies, many Liberians continue to ask why few citizens work aboard Liberian-flagged vessels and why the industry's success has not produced more visible economic transformation.
The governance expert explained that Liberia's registry operates under an internationally recognized Flag of Convenience system, allowing foreign shipowners to register vessels under the Liberian flag because of efficient services, internationally accepted standards, legal protections and competitive operating costs.
He noted that contrary to public perception, the registry's income extends far beyond initial registration fees, generating recurring revenue through annual tonnage taxes, vessel inspections, certifications, mortgage registrations, corporate filings, ownership transfers and other technical services.
However, Tengbeh emphasized that only the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA) and LISCR possess complete financial records detailing annual collections, operational expenditures, contractual payments and transfers to the Government of Liberia.
"That is precisely why greater transparency is needed," he argued.
While acknowledging that maritime revenue remains an important contributor to the national budget--estimated at approximately US$30 million in 2026--Tengbeh said Liberia must begin measuring success beyond the number of ships carrying its flag.
Instead, he said, progress should be evaluated by the number of Liberians employed in the maritime sector, the training of local seafarers, the establishment of maritime academies and universities, modernization of ports, development of logistics industries and retention of technical expertise.
"As a labour policy researcher, this is where my greatest concern lies," Tengbeh wrote. "Thousands of vessels proudly display the Liberian flag across every ocean. Yet many Liberians struggle to identify fellow citizens working aboard those same ships."
He questioned how many Liberians currently serve on Liberian-flagged vessels, how much maritime revenue supports scholarships and cadet training, and whether the country has a comprehensive maritime employment strategy.
Tengbeh called on the Legislature to hold public hearings examining maritime revenues, employment outcomes, skills development and future investment opportunities.
He also urged the publication of comprehensive, citizen-friendly annual reports explaining how maritime revenues are generated, how much reaches the Consolidated Fund and how those resources support national development.
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"Transparency should never be viewed as criticism. Transparency is good governance," he stated.
Looking ahead, Tengbeh proposed dedicating a portion of maritime revenues to a National Maritime Development Fund, scholarships for Liberian cadets, partnerships with international maritime academies, modern port infrastructure, marine engineering education and employment placement programs for Liberian seafarers.
He concluded that while Liberia's ship registry remains a remarkable global success, the next challenge is ensuring that its benefits are felt by ordinary Liberians.
"The question before us is therefore not whether Liberia's ship registry is successful. The evidence shows that it is," Tengbeh said. "The real question is whether the full benefits of that success are being translated into stronger institutions, greater employment, improved maritime education and broader economic development for the people whose flag flies on the world's largest merchant fleet."
