Liberia Ports Authority Hails Massive Reforms At Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA)
The delegation lead of the National Ports Authority (NPA) of the Republic of Liberia to Sierra Leone, Mr. Michael Davies said the Freetown Port is a force to reckon with in the sub-region owing to its phenomenal reforms in the port operational processes.
During the 29-man delegation visit to Sierra Leone, Mr. Michael Davies who doubles as the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations intimated that their visit is to share experience and promote shipping and maritime activities in the sub-region.
According to Mr. Davies, The Sierra Leone Ports Authority has made significant strides in maritime security and safety in port operational processes. He referenced the construction of the multipurpose terminal with modern gantry cranes, CCTV cameras in every corner of the port, the reduction in vessel turnaround time, decongestion of traffic system at the Freetown Port and the digitalization of Harbour and security departments as key development strides that deserve accolade.
On his part, SLPA General Manager, Dr. Abdulai Fofana said the visit is a win-win situation as the two sister Ports will both benefit from each other as well as create a platform for experience-sharing. He said SLPA Management would reciprocate the visit within the shortest possible time.
Through his leadership, Dr Fofana informed the delegation that the Port of Freetown has witnessed phenomenal reforms in maritime safety and security and the ongoing digitization of core operational areas, including the Harbour and Finance Departments, from paper to paperless.
In a similar sentiment, SLPA Deputy General Manager, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio said the visit is a response to the ongoing rebranding exercise of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority in the international platform. He said many West African Ports (including Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority) have expressed willingness to visit the Port of Sierra Leone on experience-sharing following SLPA’s Management presentation of a position at the 2021 Council’s meeting of The Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Doula, Cameroon.
Mr. Bio further informed the delegation that new multipurpose terminal had been constructed with sophisticated modern equipment that has positioned the Freetown Port worthy of accommodating and discharging bigger and more complex vessels.
The Chief Operations Manager of the Freetown Terminal Limited (one of the port concessionaires), Mr. Abubakarr Sesay said that the 270 meters long and 13.5 depth multipurpose terminal can now boast of mobile and sea-to-shore cranes reefer ridges to power reefer containers of perishable goods.
The visit also featured a round-table discussion between the Liberian delegation and cross-section of SLPA Management in which an array of issues was discussed, including Port Concessioning and the distribution of concession revenue, vessel turnaround time, the legislative framework of Freetown Port concessions, cooperation from private port operators and host of other issues.
The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia was established by an Act of the National Legislature in 1967 and amended in 1970 as a state-owned corporation to manage, plan, and build all public ports in Liberia. The NPA comprises four ports: Freeport of Monrovia, Port of Buchanan, Port of Greenville and Port of Harper. The Freeport of Monrovia is the largest within the Authority’s network. The harbor at the Freeport of Monrovia is protected by two rock breakwaters, approximately 2,300 meters and 2,200 meters long, enclosing a basin of 300 hectares of protected water.
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), on the other hand, is a semi-autonomous organization established by The Ports Act of 1964 (as amended). The primary responsibilities of the SLPA are: to control all ports and marine activities within its jurisdiction in Sierra Leone, to operate the Port of Freetown, to oversee the operations of Nitti and Pepel-which private mining companies currently use for handling bulk exports of Bauxite, Rutile and Iron Ore.
Source & photo : Dr. Abdulai Fofana, General Manager Sierra Leone Ports Authority
