The European Union today officially handed over two state-of-the-art Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and technical equipment the Government of Liberia under the Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) Project. An EU release says the assets will significantly enhance Liberia’s maritime security capabilities and strengthen the operational readiness of the Liberia Coast Guard (LCG).
Built at the Narwhal Boats SL shipyards, the approximately 9-meter RHIBs were designed to operate in demanding maritime conditions. The vessels can reach speeds of up to 54 knots and have an operational range of 200 nautical miles at maximum speed. Equipped with modern communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, the RHIBs can conduct a wide range of missions, including search and rescue operations, coastal patrols, maritime interdiction, fisheries inspections, and law enforcement activities at sea.
Alongside the vessels, two forensic material kits were provided to support the collection, preservation, and transmission of evidence in maritime crime investigations. The kits are expected to strengthen the effectiveness of judicial processes and contribute to increased convictions for crimes committed in the maritime domain.
Strengthening EU–Liberia Security Cooperation
The donation reflects the continued cooperation between the European Union and the Government of Liberia in strengthening security sector and the rule of law and the rule of law. While the Liberia Coast Guard will be responsible for the operational deployment and maintenance of the RHIBs, the vessels can also support joint inter-agency operations involving maritime law enforcement, counter-narcotics efforts, fisheries protection, and other national security activities.
Before the end of 2026, the final phase of the EU-funded project will culminate in a maritime exercise in the Gulf of Guinea, supervised and coordinated by a Portuguese Navy Ocean Patrol Vessel. The Liberia Coast Guard is encouraged to participate in the exercise, which will provide opportunities to engage with neighboring countries, including Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, that have also benefited from similar maritime security support.
A secure maritime space protects fisheries, supports coastal communities, safeguards natural resources, and upholds the rule of law at sea—creating the conditions for sustainable development to thrive
The EU values the cooperation with the Instituto Camões and the Portuguese Navy for their key role in implementing this important initiative, part of the EU’s long-termcooperation on capacity strengthening in the Gulf of Guinea.
Background
This support to Liberia is part of the West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) programme, aimed at implementing the ECOWAS maritime security strategy, strengthening the Yaoundé Architecture, and supporting cooperation at regional, interregional and national levels.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Liberia and Camões, I.P. of Portugal was signed on 27 June 2022. Liberia Coast Guard personnel participated in specialized training in Portugal from 18 September to 30 November 2023. An implementation visit was conducted in Monrovia from 11–15 November 2024. Additional training on maritime criminality, boarding techniques, search and rescue, fisheries inspection, and combating pollution at sea was delivered in Monrovia between 17 March and 4 April 2025, with 32 participants. Harbor Acceptance Tests and Sea Acceptance Trials were successfully completed on 29–30 January 2026, followed by final operations and maintenance training in May 2026.
