Monrovia, Liberia- Liberia’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has announced the production of Liberia’s first-ever fiberglass fishing vessel, a pioneering initiative made possible through funding from the World Bank under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP).
A fiberglass fishing vessel is a boat primarily constructed from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), which is a composite material made of glass fibers embedded in a resin matrix. This type of vessel is common for smaller fishing boats, up to about 25 meters in length, and is known for its versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance.
A press release dated 25, April, 2025, quotes the authority as saying, “this initiative is a groundbreaking milestone for Liberia’s fisheries sector and marks a significant step towards modernizing Liberia’s artisanal fisheries and enhancing sustainability through innovative, non-wooden vessels that are durable, environmentally friendly, and better suited for Liberia’s marine environment.
During a recent visit to the production site in Bushrod Island fishing community of Banjor, NaFAA Acting Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe, described the fiberglass initiative as a“ game changer” in the nation’s fisheries industry.
“Fiberglass boats production in Liberia is a breakthrough. I’m excited to see this new technology introduced in our fishing space. It’s just a matter of getting these boats up and running, and creating a model that allows us to replicate the process across coastal communities. This is remarkable—no wood involved—it’s entirely fiberglass. This technology has the potential to take us a long way and preserve”, says Mr. Saygbe.
The NaFAA acting director general emphasized that this is the first of such initiatives in the West African region, positioning Liberia as a leader in sustainable fisheries practices.
Saygbe expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support of the transformative project, which he noted aligns with the government’s broader environmental goals, particularly efforts to combat deforestation.
The Acting Director General further disclosed that NaFAA plans to introduce a new business model that would manage and distribute the vessels sustainably.
The first phase, according to him, will see 23 fiberglass boats managed by selected Liberian entrepreneurs, who will ensure proper operation and maintenance.
Also speaking during the site visit, Atty. Kula Jackson Abraham, Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, said, the fiberglass vessels will significantly contribute to the Country’s national emissions reduction targets which aligns with global climate goals and local livelihood improvement.
She used the occasion to thanked the World Bank for its consistent support and commitment to advancing Liberia’s fisheries sector through sustainable innovations.
The project is being implemented by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA in partnership with an un-named Indian-based international firm.
