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Claim: “We are the largest ship registry in the world, topping Panama,” Robert Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, said.
Verdict: True. Independent analysis and research findings from reputable maritime organisations such as Clarkson Research, Maritime Executive, and Tradewinds confirm that Liberia has surpassed Panama as the world’s largest ship registry.
Full Text
Robert Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, asserted on Monday, August 4, 2025, during an appearance on OK Morning Rush, that Liberia has attained the status of the world’s largest ship registry, surpassing Panama.
He made the claim at 2:09:30 of the show.
Kpadeh contended that Liberia is now registering large vessels adhering to International Maritime Standards, signalling the nation’s resurgence within the global maritime industry.
He also emphasised the efficacy of Liberia’s maritime diplomacy in attracting significant nations such as the US and China, consequently augmenting Liberia’s influence in global decision-making.
What does it mean to be the world’s largest ship registry?
Liberia’s prominent position as the largest Ship Registry highlights its significance and dynamism within international trade, underscoring the seriousness of this West African nation in the shipping industry. Research emphasises that nationality grants a ship the protection of a specific state, particularly on the high seas where no sovereign powers exist outside individual vessels.
The flying of a flag serves as visible proof of nationality. The Ship registry is a source of additional income for Liberia. According to findings, the nations providing flags of convenience receive compensation based on the ship’s tonnage.
The recent disclosure that Liberia has overtaken Panama as the preeminent ship registry after three decades was met with considerable astonishment within Liberia’s maritime community and media. Initially, this news elicited scepticism and inquiries from the programme’s host, Clarence Jackson, and several listeners.
Listeners expressed varied opinions regarding Liberia’s claim to be the world’s largest ship registry. Peter Wisdom Fiyah questioned the impact of this status on Liberia’s maritime programme, specifically concerning revenue and employment.
D. Geeply Nyensuah doubted the assertion, suggesting further research was needed to confirm if Liberia had surpassed Panama. Another caller, identified as ‘Testimony,’ found the claim of Liberia being the largest ship registry to be “mesmerising.”
As a fact-checker dedicated to accuracy, it was essential to verify this assertion. Corroborating this information would elevate awareness of Liberia’s progress in global maritime affairs and uphold factual veracity.
Verification
DUBAWA conducted an independent investigation into this claim. Research indicates that Panama has maintained the leading position in ship registry since 1993. However, recent studies corroborate Kpadeh’s assertion.
A study by Clarkson Research, a prominent maritime research firm, confirms that Liberia has indeed assumed the lead in the shipping registry industry. Maritime Executive, referencing the Clarkson Report, substantiated this finding, stating that Liberia has surpassed Panama in terms of total gross tonnage in registry.
Although both flags retain a 16 per cent market share, Clarkson’s calculations demonstrate Liberia’s lead by just over one per cent, with 248.9 million tons in gross tonnage.
Furthermore, Tradewinds, another authoritative source in the shipping industry, acknowledged the cessation of Panama’s protracted reign as the largest flag state, confirming that the Liberia Registry has definitively exceeded the South American flag state. These findings collectively corroborate Mr. Kpadeh’s claim.
Conclusion
Based on independent analysis and corroborating research from reputable maritime organisations such as Clarkson Research, Maritime Executive, and Tradewinds, the claim that Liberia has surpassed Panama as the world’s largest ship registry is affirmed as accurate. This development signifies a substantial shift in the global maritime landscape.
