By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
Monrovia — The National Port Authority (NPA) has broken ground for the installation of Liberia’s first Automatic Digital Gate System at the Freeport of Monrovia, in a move aimed at strengthening security, improving efficiency, and modernizing port operations.
According to the NPA, the system will incorporate facial recognition technology for pedestrian access and automatic license plate recognition for vehicles. Once completed, it will digitally log all movements through the port’s gates, providing enhanced control over access, improved operational visibility, and more reliable records for security and management.
Officials say the project is part of a broader strategy to align the port’s infrastructure with international standards while reducing reliance on manual processes. The Authority expects the automated system to significantly cut down congestion, shorten entry and exit times, and improve traffic flow within the port.
Deputy Managing Director for Administration James Richard Bernard described the initiative as a critical step toward a more secure and efficient port system.
“This project is about making the Freeport safer, faster, and smarter,” Bernard said. “By digitizing gate access and movement records, we are reducing delays, improving accountability, strengthening security, and closing gaps that can undermine operational efficiency and revenue collection.”
Bernard added that the project is expected to be completed and commissioned for use by the end of May 2026.
The initiative underscores the NPA’s ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery, strengthen security measures, and boost Liberia’s competitiveness in the global maritime and logistics sector.
