By Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, August 10, 2026 — The National Port Authority (NPA) is introducing a new automated access system at the Freeport of Monrovia that will require visitors to pay US$1 per hour, or its equivalent in Liberian dollars, while employees and vehicles operating at the port will be registered electronically.
Under the new arrangement, entities operating at the Freeport are required to submit lists of their employees for registration and credentialing to access the facility through the pedestrian gate.
Vehicle owners are also required to submit registration documents for enrollment in the automated system, which will identify authorized vehicles through their license plates.
Visitors who are not registered as employees or regular port users will be required to pay the hourly access fee.
NPA Management disclosed the measures during a recent stakeholders’ meeting at its headquarters in Monrovia, where port users and other stakeholders were briefed on the new access requirements.
Deputy Managing Director for Administration James R. Bernard said the automated system forms part of measures aimed at strengthening security, controlling unauthorized entry, improving traffic management and supporting the modernization of the Freeport.
Bernard also announced the rollout of an occupational health, safety and fire prevention program at the port.
According to him, the safety program is being designed and implemented by HSE Solutions Inc., which the NPA described as a certified safety partner.
The program is intended to strengthen compliance with occupational health and safety requirements, including provisions associated with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and applicable environmental, workplace safety and fire prevention standards.
It will focus on hazard identification, emergency response planning, safety training and fire prevention measures across the Freeport’s terminals.
According to the NPA, the initiative is intended to reduce workplace accidents, fire hazards and operational disruptions while improving protection for workers, port users, cargo and infrastructure.
Bernard said the measures are also expected to improve implementation of the Freeport’s Port Facility Security Plan and strengthen compliance with international maritime security requirements.
The NPA said implementation of the automated access system is expected to provide greater control over the movement of people and vehicles entering and leaving the Freeport.
Management also expects the measures to improve traffic management and reduce congestion within the port facility.
The NPA did not immediately provide details on when collection of the US$1 hourly visitor fee will begin or whether exemptions will apply to specific categories of visitors.
