On October 21, 2025, Mr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority visited Shanghai Maritime University. He was warmly welcomed by Mr. Song Baoru, Chairman of Shanghai Maritime University Council and Mr. Yin Ming, Vice President of the university.
On behalf of the university, Mr. Song Baoru expressed a warm welcome to Mr. Lighe and introduced SMU’s history, development journey and strategic vision. He highlighted that Shanghai Maritime University is committed to serving the high-quality development of the national shipping industry and representing China in international maritime affairs. As Liberia is a key global maritime nation, there are vast opportunities for collaboration between the two sides in maritime education, talent development and international shipping governance. Mr. Song emphasized that he hoped this visit would serve as an opportunity to further strengthen communication and cooperation, contributing to the continued development of global shipping, especially in both nations' maritime sectors.
Mr. Yin Ming provided an overview of the university’s recent progress in academic discipline construction, professional development, technological achievements, and the latest advancements in maritime education. He suggested that both sides could work together in areas such as maritime policy research, shipping technology innovation, and the cultivation of high-level talent, pushing their partnership to new heights.
Mr. Lighe expressed that through his visit, he was deeply impressed by the university not only being one of China’s top maritime institutions but also a globally influential world-class maritime university. He praised the university’s achievements in scientific innovation, talent development and international cooperation. Additionally, He discussed the latest developments within the Liberia Maritime Authority regarding maritime governance, policy formulation, and industry growth, emphasizing the vast potential for future collaboration between the two countries in the maritime sector.
During the meeting, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as international maritime governance, shipping technology innovation, open ship registration policies, and the internationalization of maritime education. They agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as advanced crew training, maritime policy and international shipping regulations, smart shipping, green ports, and marine resource development, aiming to jointly promote the development of the international shipping industry.
Mr. Lighe also visited the university’s historical museum, navigation simulators, automated engine rooms, and the maritime training center, gaining a deeper understanding of the university’s history, academic development, and maritime talent cultivation system. He also delivered an academic presentation titled "Maritime Governance and Shipping: Liberia’s Vision for the Global Maritime Future."
