–Set for Dedication Tomorrow
By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), has announced the arrival of the country’s first semi-industrial fishing vessel, SEE KO (Sea King), marking a historic advancement in the nation’s fisheries sector.
The vessel, procured under the World Bank-funded Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP), represents a major step toward modernizing Liberia’s fisheries industry.
As a Liberian-owned vessel, SEE KO is expected to significantly improve catch productivity, increase revenue generation, and create expanded job opportunities for Liberians.
NaFAA’s Acting Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., disclosed that the vessel will operate under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement consistent with the NaFAA Act of 2017, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Development Law of 2019, and the Government’s ARREST Agenda focused on inclusive national development.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., will officially commission the vessel on tomorrow November 24, 2025, at the Mesurado Industrial Fishing Pier in the Freeport of Monrovia.
The commissioning is viewed as a transformative milestone designed to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to sustainably manage and utilize its marine resources.
As part of the ceremony, NaFAA will also showcase 23 newly manufactured fiberglass Kru and Fanti canoes, produced under the LSMFP.
These locally built canoes aim to support artisanal fisheries, enhance safety at sea, promote climate-smart technologies, and boost productivity across coastal communities.
The introduction of the semi-industrial vessel aligns with the broader objectives of the LSMFP, which seeks to improve the management of marine fisheries and aquaculture, promote climate-resilient practices, and develop data-driven systems to guide evidence-based policy decisions.
“This achievement demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to transforming its fisheries sector,” said Acting Director General Saygbe.
“The arrival of the Sea King, together with the production of 23 fiberglass Kru and Fanti canoes, shows NaFAA’s intentional efforts to holistically develop Liberia’s fisheries.
It is a testament to strong government leadership, the confidence of our development partners, and the resilience of our coastal communities.
Together, we are building a fisheries sector that is sustainable, competitive, and capable of securing long-term prosperity for the Liberian people.”
NaFAA extended appreciation to the World Bank, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), manufacturers, and other stakeholders whose continued support is driving the transformation of Liberia’s fisheries sector.
