Reported by: Prince Saah
Monrovia, Liberia – The National Port Authority (NPA) has unveiled a sweeping automation and security modernization program at the Freeport of Monrovia, introducing state-of-the-art biometric access control, facial recognition technology, automated vehicle gates, and a digital monitoring system aimed at bringing Liberia’s busiest seaport into compliance with international maritime security standards while improving efficiency, accountability, and safety.
The reforms, which are being implemented in phases, were showcased to a delegation of journalists during a guided tour of the port led by NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration James Richard Bernard and the project’s lead technology consultant, Sekou Kroma.
Bernard said the automation initiative forms part of a broader institutional reform agenda intended to restore the Freeport of Monrovia’s competitiveness and align its operations with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
“We are playing catch-up with our regional counterparts. Because of years of conflict and limited investment, Liberia lacked the infrastructure required to meet international port security standards. This administration believes the first step toward restoring Liberia as a competitive maritime hub is ensuring compliance with those global requirements,” he stated.
At the newly automated pedestrian entrance, journalists witnessed facial recognition scanners and electronic access gates capable of verifying users within seconds. Also, he said regular port users must present electronic identification cards while simultaneously undergoing facial recognition before access is granted.
According to the NPA official, the system is designed to eliminate unauthorized entry, reduce human interaction at security checkpoints, and ease congestion that has historically affected visitors and port workers. He explained that visitors will receive temporary electronic passes after completing security procedures and mandatory occupational health and safety orientation.
The temporary credentials, according to him, expire automatically after their approved period of access. Bernard stressed that the automation is intended to strengthen security rather than replace employees.
“The intent is not to reduce staff,” he explained.
“The goal is to improve operational efficiency, security, and safety. Security personnel remain on duty, but the system removes unnecessary human interference and ensures that everyone follows the same access procedures,” he added.
The new platform, Bernard explained, will also create a digital record of everyone entering and leaving the port, allowing authorities to quickly account for personnel during emergencies such as fires or other incidents. The NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration noted that Liberia undergoes annual security audits by the United States Coast Guard under ISPS requirements, warning that failure to comply with international standards could expose the country to sanctions and negatively affect maritime trade.
He recalled that Liberia was previously blacklisted under international maritime security assessments, resulting in costly delays for vessels departing Liberian ports. “If Liberia fails to meet these standards, shipping lines face additional inspections at foreign ports, resulting in delays and increased operational costs,” Bernard said.
According to him, the modernization project also includes construction of a secured perimeter fence, expansion of designated access points, installation of automated vehicle recognition systems, and development of a modern visitors’ parking facility capable of accommodating approximately 100 vehicles. He narrated that future plans include a commercial car wash and additional digital security infrastructure within the port complex.
For his part, project technology consultant Sekou Kroma said the modernization extends beyond access control to strengthening the port’s overall security architecture. “Our objective is to modernize port access control while securing the entire perimeter. You cannot automate the front gate and leave the rest of the facility vulnerable,” he narrated.
Kroma also disclosed that work is underway to automate the Bravo Gate, Alpha Gate, and BMC Gate while constructing perimeter fencing stretching toward Bushrod Island communities to satisfy ISPS security requirements. He added that the automated platform maintains electronic records of all vehicles and individuals entering and exiting the port, providing valuable information for security investigations when necessary.
Although the current system does not yet detect weapons, dangerous cargo, or other prohibited materials, Kroma revealed that discussions are underway with NPA management to integrate advanced scanning technology capable of identifying arms, ammunition, and hazardous goods entering the port. “We are working toward integrating cargo and vehicle scanning technology. That system will complement existing security measures and further protect Liberia from illegal or dangerous imports,” he added.
Kroma said the system has been designed with multiple backup mechanisms, including uninterrupted power supply units, solar energy, generators, and manual override capabilities to ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages. The technology is being introduced by a Liberian-led company that partnered with a Malaysian manufacturer after observing similar systems overseas.
