IPNEWS: The National Port Authority recorded one of the most intensive maritime reform periods in its recent history. The RESET Agenda produced hard results across operations, safety, infrastructure, governance, and international engagement. The institution shifted from slow and reactive to fast, modern, compliant, and globally connected. The achievements below represent a direct, measurable upgrade of Liberia’s port system.
1. Maritime Operations: Restoring 24-Hour Activity and Improving Vessel Efficiency
The most important operational milestone was the restoration of night navigation at the Freeport of Monrovia.
- Modern navigational aids were installed.
- Vessel traffic expanded from a restricted daytime schedule to full 24-hour operations.
- Waiting and turnaround time reduced.
- Berthing efficiency increased.
- Ship turnaround improved across terminals.
The NPA also opened alternative piers (LMC and BMC) for assessment and pilot operations to cut congestion and create new maritime corridors.
Plans for a national Inland Container Terminal advanced to ease yard pressure, support transshipment, and expand storage capacity outside the Freeport.
A new Port State Coordination Department was established to regulate dangerous cargo, enforce maritime standards, and strengthen incident response.
2. Marine Equipment and Fleet Enhancement: Building Operational Strength
The NPA invested in critical marine assets needed to elevate port performance.
- New tugboats entered service to support safer berthing and unberthing.
- Pilot boats were commissioned to strengthen vessel handling.
- Operational vehicles were deployed to Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper to support harbor operations.
- The institution acquired its first emergency ambulance, improving occupational safety for maritime workers.
These additions increased NPA’s operational independence, reduced downtime, and boosted national maritime capacity.
3. Port Infrastructure: Renovations That Strengthened National Assets
Large-scale improvements took place across the port system:
Buchanan Port
- Lighting restored after several years of blackout.
- Safer nighttime operations and yard movements resumed.
Greenville Port
- Renovation projects launched to address aging structures.
- Upgrades planned to improve handling capacity and safety.
Freeport of Monrovia
- Infrastructure assessments carried out to guide modernization under the RESET Strategic Plan.
- Yard clearing and operational cleanup improved traffic flow.
These works reversed years of decline and positioned the ports for future expansion.
4. Maritime Governance: Strengthening Compliance and Security
The NPA advanced its compliance standing through several high-level maritime interventions:
ISPS Code and Security Alignment
- Hosted the United States Coast Guard for drills and inspections.
- Strengthened access control, patrol routines, and emergency procedures.
Environmental Protection and Spill Response
- Participated in drafting Liberia’s first Oil Spill Response Strategy.
- Hosted technical workshops on spill preparedness and maritime environmental protection.
- The EPA installed an office inside the Freeport to expand on-site monitoring.
Dangerous Cargo and Safety Regulation
- New systems introduced to track, inspect, and control hazardous materials across ports.
These achievements raised NPA’s compliance profile in global maritime security and safety systems.
5. International Maritime Engagement: Rebuilding Liberia’s Regional Influence
Liberia returned to the center of regional and international maritime cooperation.
PMAWCA Leadership and Hosting Power
- Successfully hosted the 10th Annual Conference of Harbor Masters and Port Security Officers from West and Central Africa.
- Showcased Liberia as a stable, compliant port administration.
EU–SCOPE Africa Program
- Liberia secured a place in a €12 million EU maritime security and corridor management program.
- The program strengthens port safety, anti-risk systems, and corridor oversight.
Tanger Med Master Planning
- Signed a landmark agreement with Tanger Med of Morocco to design the long-term port master plan.
- Positions Liberia for modern port expansion and regional hub capabilities.
Asian and European Maritime Partnerships
- Held high-level talks with Japanese TICAD representatives.
- Engaged Korean shipbuilding and logistics investors.
- Strengthened ties with EU trade and maritime bodies.
These engagements expanded Liberia’s profile, opened new investment channels, and aligned the NPA with major global port systems.
6. Human Capital for Maritime Development: Building a Skilled Workforce
Maritime operations depend on skilled people. The RESET Agenda produced major human capital gains:
- Staff trained in China, Ghana, the United States, Morocco, and other economies.
- Specialized courses completed in port management, marine safety, vessel operations, blue economy frameworks, and corruption prevention.
- Internal “Training-of-Trainers” programs strengthened technical departments.
A historic milestone was achieved:
- Liberia certified its first Liberian Marine Pilot.
- Liberia certified its first Liberian Tugboat Captain.
These achievements advance indigenization and reduce dependency on foreign operators.
7. Concession and Contract Reforms: Increasing Maritime Value for Liberia
The year also produced key policy and commercial gains.
GTMS/CTN Agreement Renegotiated
- Costs reduced for shippers and traders.
- Revenue share for government increased.
- Transparency and regulatory control improved.
Marine Services Agreement Revised
- New terms introduced with stronger local-content clauses.
- Improved oversight and operational protection for NPA.
APM Terminals Concession Under Review
- For the first time in 14 years, APM Terminals agreed to a formal review of its 25-year concession.
- Opens a pathway for renegotiating fees, performance benchmarks, and investment obligations.
These reforms increased fairness, accountability, and national benefit.
THE RESET AGENDA: A STRONG MARITIME TRANSFORMATION
The year produced measurable gains:
- 24-hour vessel operations restored.
- New marine equipment delivered.
- Port infrastructure rehabilitated.
- International maritime compliance strengthened.
- Human capital upgraded.
- Maritime contracts renegotiated.
- Financial credibility restored.
- Liberia re-entered major maritime networks.
The RESET Agenda proved that with disciplined leadership, modern management, and strategic vision, the NPA can match global standards and exceed national expectations. It marked the beginning of a deeper institutional transformation, one that carries Liberia toward competitive port operations, expanded maritime trade, stronger coastal economies, and full participation in the international port community.
The NPA moved from stagnation to progress, from inherited debt to fiscal order, and from outdated systems to a modernizing port administration.
