MONROVIA – The Government has answered the market women’s protests with a port rescue plan. Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando unveiled the National Port Authority’s measures on Tuesday. They include an empty-container yard, direct vessel-to-warehouse delivery and simultaneous crane operations at APM Terminals. Dredging of the Freeport of Monrovia is promised within two weeks. The response is swift, but it is also an admission. Congestion at Liberia’s main gateway had grown severe enough to put traders on the streets. The measures largely target space and speed. They do not yet address the excessive shipping charges protesters also blamed. Importers will judge the plan by one simple test: when their containers finally move. THE ANALYST’s GEORGE C. FLOMO reports.
The Government of Liberia, through the National Port Authority (NPA), has announced new measures aimed at addressing congestion at the Freeport of Monrovia, improving cargo-handling operations, and creating a more business-friendly environment. The announcement follows days of protests by business owners over delays and difficulties in port operations.
The measures include the establishment of a designated yard for storing empty containers, the introduction of direct vessel-to-warehouse cargo delivery arrangements for major importers, increased vessel-handling capacity, and plans to begin dredging the port within the next two weeks.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s press briefing in Monrovia, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel Sando said the interventions are intended to ease pressure on the port, accelerate the movement of goods, and improve the overall business environment for importers and other port users.
Empty-Container Yard Designated
According to Sando, the NPA has identified a partially paved yard that will be designated for storing empty containers. The initiative is expected to create additional space within the container terminal, allowing port operators to accommodate more incoming cargo and improve the organization of container movements.
He explained that the Government also intends to facilitate direct delivery of cargo from vessels to the warehouses of major importers located outside the port. This arrangement is expected to reduce the time containers remain inside the port and free up valuable space for other cargo-handling activities.
APM Terminals Expands Capacity
Sando further disclosed that additional berthing capacity is available to accommodate vessels, following the completion of maintenance and safety inspection work at the APM Terminals facility. He said APM Terminals will also deploy one crane per vessel, allowing two vessels to discharge cargo simultaneously rather than concentrating a single crane on one vessel.
The arrangement, according to the Deputy Minister, is expected to speed up cargo discharge, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the number of vessels waiting at anchorage. Meanwhile, Sando announced that the Government plans to begin dredging the Freeport of Monrovia within the next two weeks.
Dredging Within Two Weeks
He explained that the NPA and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning are finalizing arrangements with China Harbour Engineering Company to undertake the dredging project. The dredging is expected to improve the port’s capacity to accommodate vessels and strengthen its overall operational efficiency.
Sando said the combined interventions represent the Government’s efforts, through the NPA, to address longstanding operational challenges at the country’s principal seaport and ensure the faster movement of goods and services.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns from business owners over congestion, delays, and the cost of doing business at the Freeport of Monrovia, with recent protests highlighting the need for urgent improvements in port operations.
The Government says the new measures are intended to ease those challenges, restore confidence among port users, and make the Freeport of Monrovia a more efficient and business-friendly gateway for international trade.