–Vessels Expected to Boost Maritime Security, Law Enforcement, and Surveillance along Liberia’s Coastline
MONROVIA, Liberia – The European Union has donated two state-of-the-art patrol boats and specialized technical equipment to the Liberia Coast Guard in a significant move aimed at strengthening maritime security and enhancing the country’s capacity to safeguard its territorial waters.
The donation was made under the Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security Project, a regional initiative designed to improve maritime governance, combat transnational crime, and strengthen coastal security across West Africa.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Liberia Coast Guard Base, Anna Brzozowska, Team Lead of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, said the equipment will significantly improve the operational readiness and response capabilities of the Liberia Coast Guard.
“The European Union remains committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect its maritime domain,” Brzozowska said. “These vessels will enhance surveillance, law enforcement, and rapid response operations in Liberia’s coastal waters.”
Built for Challenging Maritime Conditions
According to Brzozowska, the patrol boats were manufactured by Narwhal Boats SL and are specifically designed to operate in demanding maritime environments.
Each vessel measures approximately nine meters in length and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 54 knots, with an operational range of approximately 200 nautical miles at maximum speed.
She noted that the boats are equipped with modern technology and specialized forensic kits that will enable authorities to properly collect, preserve, and process evidence during maritime operations.
The forensic capabilities are expected to strengthen investigations into maritime crimes, including illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, trafficking, and other illicit activities occurring within Liberia’s waters.
Liberia Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Security
Receiving the boats on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Minister of National Defense Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Retired) expressed appreciation to the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their continued support to Liberia’s security sector.
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Minister George reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to regional cooperation, maritime governance, and the promotion of safety and security throughout its maritime domain.
She emphasized the strategic importance of the country’s coastline and maritime resources, noting that enhanced maritime security remains critical to Liberia’s economic development and national security.
The Defense Minister urged Coast Guard personnel to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the vessels and to deploy them effectively in carrying out their duties.
Justice Minister Commends International Partners
Also speaking at the ceremony, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh thanked the European Union and ECOWAS for including Liberia in the regional maritime security initiative.
Minister Tweh assured development partners that Liberia remains committed to collaborating with regional and international institutions in strengthening maritime law enforcement and addressing transnational security threats.
He noted that effective maritime security is essential to combating illegal activities that undermine economic stability and regional peace.
LDEA Seeks Maritime Training Opportunities
In a related development, the Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) used the occasion to advocate for greater inter-agency collaboration in maritime security operations.
Deputy Police Commissioner Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, who heads the LDEA, appealed to the Ministry of National Defense to consider including LDEA personnel in future training programs focused on operating high-speed patrol boats.
The request has fueled speculation that the anti-drug agency may be exploring the establishment of a specialized maritime or sea patrol component to support efforts aimed at intercepting narcotics and combating maritime trafficking.
Given Liberia’s extensive coastline and growing concerns about transnational criminal networks operating across maritime routes, security experts have increasingly highlighted the importance of coordinated sea-based enforcement operations.
Coast Guard Personnel Receive Certification
The ceremony also marked the completion of a specialized training program for Liberia Coast Guard personnel.
At the conclusion of the event, certificates were presented to officers and sailors who successfully completed training on the operation and maintenance of the newly donated vessels.
Officials say the training was designed to ensure that Coast Guard personnel can effectively utilize the boats to strengthen maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, law enforcement operations, and coastal security patrols.
Broad Stakeholder Participation
The handover ceremony attracted a wide range of government officials, security personnel, and development partners.
Among those in attendance were representatives of the National Port Authority (NPA), the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), members of the National Legislature, senior security officials, and other stakeholders involved in Liberia’s maritime sector.
The donation represents another milestone in ongoing efforts to modernize Liberia’s maritime security architecture and strengthen the country’s ability to protect its territorial waters, natural resources, and maritime trade routes.
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