By: Archie Boan
In what is being described as a landmark achievement for Liberia’s port sector, the National Port Authority (NPA) has sealed a marine service agreement with ArcelorMittal-Liberia, projected to generate approximately US$2.5 million annually for the Port of Buchanan.
NPA Managing Director Sekou H. Dukuly made the announcement this week, revealing that the agreement was finalized on Monday following “lengthy and productive discussions” centered on ensuring the Port of Buchanan, as an autonomous agency, receives its rightful share from commercial port operations.
According to Dukuly, the deal represents a major policy shift ensuring that the Government of Liberia, through the NPA, benefits directly from ArcelorMittal’s transshipment operations and ocean-going vessels that use Liberian waters for export.
“This agreement ensures that Liberia gets its fair share,” Dukuly said. “It’s the first of its kind between the NPA and ArcelorMittal, independent of the company’s existing concession agreement with the government.”
He further explained that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was crafted based on international best practices, with input from consultants and maritime experts in neighboring countries, including Ghana and Guinea.
The NPA boss emphasized that the agreement marks a new era of accountability and partnership in Liberia’s maritime industry one that prioritizes fair revenue generation and sustainable port operations.
“This is about fairness, transparency, and value for the Liberian people,” Dukuly added. “We are positioning our ports to operate on competitive international standards.”
