Liberia has called upon the International Maritime Organization to ensure seafarers are not targeted in the increasing number of attacks on commercial vessels in various war zones. Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. delivered Liberia's General Statement at the 138th session of the IMO Council. He expressed concern over attacks on vessels in several regions, including the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of seafarers and their vessels are trapped in these waters due to ongoing military operations.
The plea from Liberia carries significant weight as it has become the world's largest ship registry by gross tonnage, surpassing Panama in 2023. Liberia now has over 300 million gross tons, accounting for about 17 percent of the global fleet. As a result, a substantial number of ships flying the Liberian flag are sailing through today's war zones, making registry earnings a significant source of revenue for the Liberian government.
The conflict around Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has seen several Liberian-flagged ships caught in the crossfire. On March 11, Iran's Revolutionary Guards struck the Liberian-flagged Express Rome in the Strait of Hormuz. On August 3, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer was hit by a projectile, knocking out its power and setting its accommodation block on fire. Its third engineer was reported missing.
The attacks on Liberian-flagged ships have continued, with multiple incidents reported in September and October. On August 31, a laden Liberian-flagged oil tanker was hit by multiple explosive devices while sailing out of the strait. In late September, three Liberian-flagged oil tankers were struck by unknown projectiles on the same day in the Strait of Hormuz. On October 5, the Liberian-flagged tanker Lipsi was hit by a projectile that damaged its engine room and started a fire.
The threat to Liberian-flagged ships predates the Iran war, with Yemen's Houthi rebels sinking two Liberian-flagged bulk carriers in the Red Sea in July 2025. At least four crew members of the Eternity C were killed in the incident. Commissioner Lighe extended Liberia's deepest condolences to the families of seafarers killed in the attacks, emphasizing that seafarers are innocent civilians performing essential duties.
October was the worst month for shipping since the war began, with over 30 incidents reported in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf. This brings the total number of incidents since February 28 to 145. Industry figures show that more than 30 supertankers have been damaged since the conflict began, with 11 of them damaged in October alone.
The IMO has been urged to take action to protect seafarers, who are essential to international trade and the global economy. Liberia's statement emphasized that seafarers must never become targets or casualties of armed conflicts and geopolitical hostilities. The international community is expected to take note of Liberia's concerns and work towards ensuring the safety of seafarers in these volatile regions.
Key points
- Liberia has become the world's largest ship registry by gross tonnage, with over 300 million gross tons.
- Several Liberian-flagged ships have been attacked in the conflict around Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.
- October saw the highest number of incidents since the war began, with over 30 reported in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
