Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s maritime development has reached a major turning point with the installation of new port and marine equipment at the Freeport of Monrovia and the start of nighttime vessel operations. This initiative was developed by the National Port Authority (NPA) in close collaboration with APM Terminals and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) with support from the Ministry of Transportation.
At a ceremony held at the Freeport of Monrovia to commemorate the launch, government leaders, diplomats, port stakeholders, and partners from the business sector gathered. As the special guest of honor, Vice President Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and trade competitiveness.
For the first time in Liberia’s post-war history, the nighttime navigation project, spearheaded by the NPA and headed by Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, permits 24-hour vessel operations at the Freeport of Monrovia. By enabling ships to dock and disembark at any time of the day or night, this landmark discovery greatly improves port efficiency, shortens vessel port stays, and creates new avenues for national trading and logistical expansion.
According to Hon. Dukuly, “the implementation of 24-hour marine operations is a significant step toward our vision of building a world-class, efficient port system for Liberia. It is the outcome of concentrated cooperation among national partners and reflects our commitment to making the port a driver of inclusive economic growth.”
In order to assist the endeavor, APM Terminals Liberia invested $4 million in new port equipment, which included two empty container handlers, three new reach stackers, a patrol boat, and a marine pilot boat.
According to Jan Buijze, Acting Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia, this is a glaring illustration of what sustained investment and solid collaboration can accomplish. “We’re contributing to the development of a port system that is safer, more effective, and more sensitive to Liberia’s economic requirements by collaborating closely with our government partners and coordinating our activities with national goals. The achievements we commemorate today are a part of a larger process that aims to have a lasting effect and promote progress for everybody.”
Vice President Koung thanked all of the partners for their degree of cooperation in making the accomplishment possible. In a special speech, the vice president acknowledged the work of APM Terminals Liberia, the National Port Authority, and all other partners that keep up the Freeport of Monrovia’s progress as a gateway to the country’s booming economy.
“Our government understands that national port growth depends on a robust and effective port system. We are still dedicated to enhancing port infrastructure while maintaining transparency and international compliance under the ARREST agenda for equitable growth. The Port is the beating heart of our economy, with the potential to boost the private sector and help thousands of Liberians escape poverty. As a result, we are proud to launch evening sailing at the Monrovia Freeport.”
“These accomplishments, in my opinion, offer operational and technological improvements. This equipment’s commissioning underscores our government’s readiness to enhance national integration into regional and international markets and make our economy competitive. At the Freeport of Monrovia, we are improving safety and service delivery while cutting down on vessel turnaround time with these resources. This investment sends a strong message, Liberia is open and ready for business.”
Ms. Birna Ósk Einarsdóttir, Global Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals, stated during her keynote address that nighttime operations generate employment possibilities and put Liberia in a stronger position to expand internationally.
“Together with the equipment upgrades, the achievement demonstrates the power of public-private cooperation and our shared dedication to creating systems that benefit people and support economic growth. Serving the local population and facilitating resilient trade for Liberia are our goals at APM Terminals. Therefore, our dedication to community impact and economic success is reflected in our investments in dependable and effective services.”
Two Liberian maritime professionals, Captains Sam Jabbah and William Adolphus Lassanah, were also honored during the ceremony. Under the support of APM Terminals Liberia and Svitzer, a global provider of port and terminal infrastructure, they underwent international training to become tug masters and marine pilots, respectively. Their accomplishments demonstrate the larger dedication to nurturing regional talent and creating a robust marine workforce.
In addition to earlier yard expansions and digital upgrades, APM Terminals Liberia has spearheaded infrastructure improvements since 2011 and has invested over $170 million since the concession’s inception. This includes a recent $15 million investment in 2023 and 2024 to install mobile harbor cranes and a state-of-the-art equipment simulator. Through focused CSR initiatives, the business also promotes community empowerment, health, and education.
