Freeport of Monrovia, July 3, 2025 — In a landmark event for Liberia’s maritime sector, the National Port Authority (NPA) has officially commissioned new port and marine equipment at the Freeport of Monrovia, including the launch of nighttime navigation for vessels a first in Liberia’s port history.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, was attended by high-level government officials including the Vice President of Liberia, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from APM Terminals, and other key stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors.
Delivering the keynote statement, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly described the initiative as a major milestone in the Authority’s drive to make port operations more efficient, secure, and cost-effective.
“Today’s commissioning is not just symbolic it is a clear sign of the progress we are making and the results we can achieve through focused collaboration and shared commitment,” Director Dukuly stated.
He highlighted the significance of the newly launched nighttime navigation capability, explaining that vessels can now enter and depart the Freeport at any hour. This development is expected to extend operational hours, improve cargo flow, reduce vessel wait times, and lower overall transaction costs.
“For years, the absence of navigational aids limited our competitiveness. That ends today,” he said. “This investment reduces risks of collisions and groundings, enhances safety, and strengthens Liberia’s appeal as a reliable destination for global shipping.”
Also commissioned at the event were new marine and terminal equipment, part of NPA’s broader modernization agenda. These tools are expected to boost service delivery standards, reduce delays, and enhance trade facilitation across the country.
Director Dukuly also celebrated a human capacity milestone the training and certification of Liberia’s first marine pilot and ASD Tug Master through a partnership between APM Terminals and Svitzer. He commended Captain Sam Jabbah and Captain William Lassanah for blazing a trail in Liberia’s maritime workforce development.
“Your success is our pride, and your path is the beginning of many more,” he told the honorees.
In addressing the relationship between the NPA and APM Terminals, Director Dukuly acknowledged historical shortcomings in oversight and contract enforcement, which he said had disproportionately favored the concessionaire. However, he assured the public that those gaps are being closed through robust reforms.
“We are reversing systemic weaknesses through uncompromising oversight,” he declared, noting that a comprehensive concession review is underway for the period 2020–2024, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Concessions. APM Terminals, he said, is cooperating fully with the review.
He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that both the Government and the Liberian people receive their fair share of benefits from port concessions.
Director Dukuly concluded by reiterating the NPA’s broader mission:
Enhancing port governance,
Attracting new investments,
Expanding and modernizing port infrastructure, and
Making transactions across all ports easier, faster, safer, and more affordable.
“With focused leadership, collaboration, and accountability, we will build a port system that works for every Liberian,” he said.
