Freeport of Monrovia — Liberia has reached a brand new milestone in its maritime growth with the launch of nighttime vessel navigation and the commissioning of latest port and marine gear on the Freeport of Monrovia. This initiative is the results of a concerted effort led by the Nationwide Port Authority (NPA) in partnership with APM Terminals and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), with help from the Ministry of Transport.
At a ceremony held on the Freeport of Monrovia, nationwide leaders, diplomats, port stakeholders and personal sector companions gathered to have fun the launch. Vice President Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. served as particular visitor of honour, reaffirming the federal government’s dedication to bettering infrastructure and commerce competitiveness.
The nighttime navigation initiative, led by the NPA beneath the management of Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, allows 24-hour vessel operations on the Freeport of Monrovia for the primary time in Liberia’s post-war historical past. This landmark growth permits vessels to berth and depart at any time of day or night time, considerably rising the port’s effectivity, lowering vessel port keep, and opening new alternatives for commerce and logistics progress throughout the nation.
“The introduction of 24-hour marine operations is a serious leap towards our imaginative and prescient of constructing a world-class, environment friendly port system for Liberia,” mentioned Hon. Dukuly. “It displays our dedication to creating the port a driver of inclusive financial progress and is the results of centered collaboration amongst nationwide companions”.
APM Terminals Liberia supported the hassle with a $4 million funding in new port gear, together with a marine pilot boat, patrol boat, three new attain stackers, and two empty container handlers.
“It is a clear instance of what long-term funding and robust partnership can obtain,” mentioned Jan Buijze, Appearing Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia. “By working intently with our authorities companions and aligning our efforts with nationwide priorities, we’re serving to to construct a port system that’s safer, extra environment friendly, and extra aware of Liberia’s financial wants. The enhancements we have fun in the present day are a part of a broader journey in the direction of sustained influence and shared progress.”
Delivering the keynote, Ms. Birna Ósk Einarsdóttir, World Chief Business Officer of APM Terminals, added: “Nighttime operations create job alternatives and positions Liberia for stronger world enlargement. This milestone, along with the gear upgrades, displays the energy of public-private collaboration and our shared dedication to constructing techniques that serve folks and allow economies to thrive. “At APM Terminals, we goal to serve the communities residing across the port and allow resilient commerce for Liberia. Subsequently, investments in environment friendly and dependable companies mirror our dedication to financial progress and neighborhood influence.”
The occasion additionally acknowledged two Liberian maritime professionals, Captain Sam Jabbah and Captain William Adolphus Lassanah. They accomplished worldwide coaching as marine pilots and tug grasp respectively by means of sponsorship from APM Terminals Liberia and world port and terminal infrastructure supplier Svitzer. Their success highlights the broader dedication to growing native expertise and constructing a resilient maritime workforce.
Vice President Koung acknowledged all companions concerned for the extent of collaboration that made the achievement doable.
The Vice President in a particular handle acknowledged the efforts of the Nationwide Port Authority, APM Terminals Liberia and all companions who proceed to help the strides of the Freeport of Monrovia as a gateway to Liberia’s thriving financial system.
“Our Authorities acknowledges {that a} robust and environment friendly port system is important to Nationwide port growth. Beneath the ARREST agenda for inclusive growth, we stay dedicated to bettering port infrastructure insuring transparency and world compliance. Let it’s identified that the Port is the heartbeat of our financial system which carries the likelihood for bettering the personal sector and lifting 1000’s of Liberians out of poverty. It’s due to this fact with nice satisfaction that we introduce nighttime crusing on the Freeport of Monrovia. I’m satisfied that these achievements current technical upgrades and operational changes. The commissioning of this gear reaffirms our authorities preparedness to make our financial system aggressive, to spice up nationwide integration into regional and world markets. With these property, we’re lowering vessel turnaround time and enhancing security and repair supply on the Freeport of Monrovia. This funding sends a robust message; Liberia is open and prepared for enterprise”, the Vice President mentioned.
Since 2011, APM Terminals Liberia has pushed infrastructure enhancements and has invested over a $170 million since inception of the Concession, together with a current $15million funding in 2023 and 2024 to put in cell harbour cranes and a state-of-the-art gear simulator, alongside earlier yard expansions and digital upgrades. The corporate additionally helps schooling, well being and neighborhood empowerment by means of focused CSR programmes.
The most recent initiatives mark a brand new chapter in Liberia’s port operations and reaffirms its dedication to trendy, inclusive, and sustainable maritime growth.
