-Under Public-Private Partnership
Monrovia — The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), has announced plans to procure a modern, multi-purpose ferry aimed at transforming coastal transportation and boosting regional trade.
The proposed vessel would transport containers, earth-moving equipment, trucks, buses, SUVs and other vehicles, as well as passengers, along Liberia’s coastline and, where applicable, to neighboring coastal countries.
According to LiMA, the initiative is designed to strengthen coastal connectivity, maritime transportation, regional trade and logistics, while offering an alternative and complementary means of moving people and cargo — particularly to coastal communities and areas where road transportation is constrained.
The ferry will be operated and managed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. Under the arrangement, the Government, through LiMA, will provide the appropriate public-sector framework and oversight, while the private-sector partner will contribute operational expertise, investment and commercial management capabilities.
The partnership will establish clear responsibilities for vessel operations, maintenance, safety, revenue management and overall service delivery. The ferry is expected to operate in accordance with applicable Liberian laws and international maritime safety and environmental standards.
