MONROVIA, November 11, 2026 – The National Port Authority (NPA) has announced new measures to ease congestion at the Freeport of Monrovia, accelerate cargo clearance, and reduce delays affecting importers and businesses across Liberia.
The measures include reopening all three berths, increasing crane deployment, expanding container storage facilities, and introducing direct cargo delivery from vessels to warehouses outside the port.
The announcement follows recent protests by members of the China Business Women of Liberia, who accused port authorities of excessive charges and prolonged shipping delays that threaten their businesses.
Speaking Tuesday, November 10, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel Sanoe said the measures are intended to improve port efficiency and address growing concerns among importers.
According to him, the reopening of all three berths followed the completion of maintenance and safety inspections by the NPA and APM Terminals, allowing more vessels to dock and reducing waiting times at anchorage.
He disclosed that APM Terminals will deploy one crane per vessel, enabling two ships to discharge cargo simultaneously rather than concentrating operations on a single vessel.
Sanoe said port management has also identified an additional yard for storing empty containers to create more space for cargo handling.
Under another arrangement, major importers will be permitted to transport containers directly from vessels to warehouses outside the port, reducing congestion within the facility.
He further disclosed that a major shipping line has agreed to introduce direct shipments to Liberia instead of routing cargo through other regional ports, a move expected to shorten delivery times.
Meanwhile, Sanoe announced that the NPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, has reached an agreement with Channel Harbour Engineering Company to dredge the Freeport’s navigation channel.
He said dredging operations are expected to begin within two weeks as part of broader efforts to improve vessel access and operational efficiency at Liberia’s principal seaport.
See more Liberia News Network stories in Google Search by adding LNN as one of your Preferred Sources.
★ Add LNN as a Preferred Source