OT Africa Line Service
Brochure
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For comprehensive details highlighting our service from Liberia please
see our latest service
brochure.
Monrovia
Port Information
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Port Infrastructure
Liberia has four main ports: Monrovia, Buchanan,
Greenville, and Harper. However, of these four, only Monrovia has the handling
facilities necessary for commercial usage. Buchanan, Greenville and Harper
ports are being used primarily for the logging trade.
Monrovia is Liberia's largest city and its administrative, commercial,
communications, and financial centre. The city's economy revolves around its
harbour, which
was substantially improved by U.S. forces under lend-lease during World War
II. In 1948 the first port capable of handling ocean-going vessels was opened;
there are now several ports, including a free port. Main imports include building
materials, general cargo and petroleum and exports cover bulk latex, cocoa,
coffee, crude rubber, iron ore and timber. Manufactures include cement, refined
petroleum, food products, bricks and tiles, furniture, and pharmaceuticals.
Roads and an airport connect Monrovia with Liberia's interior.
Monrovia calls were added to the OTAL schedule in
March 1997 after being absent from our sailing schedule for seven years. The
service was withdrawn because of the volatile political climate that enveloped
Liberia during the years of civil unrest. Over 150,000 people are said to have
been killed and a third of the country's 2.9 million population displaced.
The political atmosphere in Liberia has stabilised and new business opportunities
are emerging. A peace accord has been signed.
OTAL believes transport operators should be at the forefront
of the restoration process, helping with the developments in this tragically
war-torn area. Initial
lifting's were modest, but greater quantities of cargo are beginning to flow
both in and out of the country. OTAL serves Monrovia every 14
days on the Angola Shuttle Service.
Monrovia is an artificial harbour protected by two rock breakwaters
extending 1.25 miles into the sea ensuring 750 acres of protected water. There
is one turning basin with a depth of approximately 9.15m.
Monrovia port enjoys Freeport status. In the free zone cargo can be stored
in transit, free of duty, pending re-export to other West African states.
Monrovia Freeport has four piers and one main wharf. Three of
the wharf's four berths are operational, while the capsized vessel Torm Alexandra
[a 4,160
ton vessel capsized since 25 July 2001] occupies the fourth.
General cargo wharf: Four berths for general cargo. Containers
handled at the general cargo berths. Equipment includes top loaders.
A concrete based container storage area and provision for reefer containers
[but not connected to electricity to date] Poor cargo handling equipment, max
lift 50t. Width of wharf 1 0.97m with a concrete deck 14 tanks for bulk latex
with a capacity of 2500T. 8 transit warehouses totaling 10000sq m
Tanker facilities: Length of tankers for crude oil discharge are limited to
198.1m long and 13.71m deep. At present tankers with crude oil for discharge
moor with two bow anchors and lie alongside a breasting dolphin with stem moored
to a shore dolphin. One tanker berth is open for discharge and and bunkering
but is limited to 213.4m length and 10.06m depth.
Fishery pier: Situated on the Northern breakwater for vessels up to 73.14m
long. Cold storage is available.
The following handling equipment is present at the Freeport. However, due to
the recent conflict, much is now non operational. WFP and the United Sates
Military Joint Task Force are currently in the process of procuring those spare
parts necessary to reactivate the equipment.
Equipment
Quantity
Top Lifters (36-42mt)
1
Empty Lifter (14mt)
1
Forklifts (1 - 3mt)
3
Cranes
1
The NPA crane is theTEREX T160. The attributes of the TEREX T160
are outlined below:
In January 2004 the Management of the National
Port Authority (NPA) presented a needs assessment document to the World Food
Program (WFP) and the United nations Joint Logistics Centre (UNJLC). Requests
were divided into areas of priority as follows:
Phase 1 - Freeport of Monrovia - provision of cargo
handling and marine craft, repair of offices and supplies
Phase 2 - Freeport of Monrovia - removal of wrecks and
port dredging
Phase 3 - Freeport of Monrovia - rehabilitation and
expansion of the wharf
Phase 4 - Freeport of Monrovia - miscellaneous - construction
equipment, disposal facilities, utilities
Phase 5 - Out Ports - Buchanan, Greenville, Harper
Phase 6 - Freeport of Monrovia - Long term development
of a modern terminal including a modern terminal inclusive of landside,
water front facilities and equipment, rehabilitation and expansion of existing
oil jetty and associated dredging works
Transport News
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APM Terminals Set To Finalise Monrovia Deal
- 15/07/10
APM Terminals is hoping to finalise negotiations with the government of Liberia
for the development of new port facilities at Monrovia. Negotiations are
expected to be concluded by the end of July although it would be some time
before the project got the official go-ahead. Once negotiations have finished
with a government committee the Liberian president then has to bring it to
parliament, which will vote on it. Presuming that parliament votes it through
the concession then become law.
The deal centres on a 25-year build-operate-transfer
[BOT] arrangement with a fixed land lease and variable royalty payments depending
on cargo volumes
handled. Current throughput is about 70,000 teu per year and 500,000 tonnes
of general cargo. APM Terminal is expecting to see a 10%-15% growth rate
each year for the first 10-years. The concession covers the 600m of existing
quay,
which is close to collapse and a new quay will have to be built. The concession
is unusual for APM terminals insofar as it includes providing general cargo
and ro-ro handling operations, as well as also operating marine services
such as tugs and mooring. [LL 15/07/10]
New National Transport Policy Launched -
28/06/10
A new national transport policy strategy [NTPS], a policy document which is
an extended component of the Poverty Reduction Strategy [PRS] initiated by
the Liberian government has been launched. Transport Minister, Alphonso Gaye,
noted that preliminary steps had been taken by setting up a national transport
implementation technical committee to provide technical support to the implementation
process. NTPS projects include roads, bridges, ports, maritime and civil
aviation. [TA 28/06/10]
Liberia Becomes The 138th Contracting Party
To The Customs Harmonized System Convention - 26/06/10
On 26/06/10 Liberia contracted to the International Convention on the Harmonized
Commodity Description and Coding System [HS Code - Harmonized System] of
the World Customs Organization [WCO - www.wcoomd.org]. Considering that more
than
98% of international merchandise trade is classified in terms of the Harmonized
System, the WCO is pleased to welcome Liberia as the 138th Contracting Party.
Liberia has been a Member of the WCO since 07/01/75. The Harmonized System
Convention will enter into force in Liberia on 01/01/12, unless Liberia decides
to specify an earlier date. Liberia's principal export commodities are rubber,
timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa and coffee. The country?s principal import
commodities are fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured
goods;
foodstuffs. [WCO 26/06/10]
China Invest $2.6 Billion In Bong Mines
/ Port - 10/05/10
China's Vice Commerce Minister Fu Ziying noted that the US$2.6 billion Chinese
project to revitalize Liberia's Bong Mines will include fixing a port and
a connecting railway. The investment sum is an initial estimate for the project's
total investment, which will happen over a period of several years. The plan
is to revamp a nearby port [80km away] into a 200,000-ton harbour with a
water depth of 20m.
The Bong Mines project is part of an agreement the
West African nation initially signed with China-Union Investment Co. in January
2009,
which granted the Chinese
company development rights for the mine for 25 years. In March, Chinese steel
major Wuhan Iron & Steel Corp. acquired a 60% stake in the iron ore mine
in Liberia for US$68.5 million from the China-Africa Development Fund. [DJ
10/05/10]
Bilateral Trade Between China, Liberia Up
65% In 2009 - 03/03/10
Bilateral trade between China and Liberia was US$1.89 billion, up 65% in 2009.
The value of China's exports to Liberia was US$1.88 billion, up 65.5% year
on year. The value of China's imports from Liberia was US$4 million, down 33.3%
year on year. Ships were the primary product exported from China to Liberia
and accounted for 70% of the total export value. The second-most important
export product was refined oil, which accounted for 11.1% of the total export
value. Other major export products include rice, mechanical and electrical
products and textiles. Major products imported from Liberia to China include
natural rubber, logs, sawn timber and steel scrap. [CK 03/03/10]
APM Terminals Awarded Monrovia Port Concession
- 12/03/10
APM Terminals has been named the preferred bidder to operate a 25 year concession
at the Liberian port of Monrovia as part of a public tender process.
The Liberian government’s Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee announced
the decision on Thursday.
The global terminal operating unit of Denmark’s A.P. Moller-Maersk said
it will invest around $120 million developing container and general cargo facilities
at the West African port over the duration of the concession.
The Liberian government, which issued a public tender in December, said bidders
would have to revamp the existing Marginal Wharf, develop cargo facilities
and operate marine services in the port.
Construction of a new quay wall will begin immediately, APM Terminals said.“A
new berth, more efficient yard handling procedures and the installation of
new equipment will transform the port into a more competitive, world class
port capable of handling modern deep-draft vessels,” the company said. “Our
team will work closely with the IMCC, Port Sector Reform Program and the National
Port Authority on the next steps of the process to ensure the transition is
handled effectively.”
Bidder Places Price Tag On Monrovia Freeport
- 22/01/10
According to reports the minimum investment to construct and outfit the
Freeport of Monrovia will be at least US$200 million. This price tag for
the 25-year
concession includes infrastructural construction costs and port equipment
provision. The Bolloré Group [www.bollore.com], a Paris-based French
investment conglomerate, is reported to have offered US$210m to kickstart
the project. The investment will cover US$100m for equipment, US$60m for
construction and infrastructure and US$50m for civil works, training and
associated plant. Bollore is convinced that any investment less than US$200
million will not bring the port to competitive international standards
allowing larger vessels to stimulate competition at the port, which is
currently not
the case.The Bollore Group is reported to have said that it wants to make
the port of Monrovia equal existing ports such as the port of Abidjan,
the most functional, up to date and profitable port in West Africa, where
it
has had interests since 2004.
The Group is one of two companies bidding to operate
and maintain the Freeport of Monrovia. It is basing its bid on having a
wide range of experience and
know-how of break bulk, timber products, bulk, vehicle, project, oil and
gas-related cargo handling virtually, across many African ports within its
global network.
The committee handling the bidding process is expected to announce its final
report soon. [TI 22/01/10]
Liberia’s Finance Minister Embarks
On Inspection Tour Of Customs Posts - 02/02/10
Liberia’s Finance Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has embarked on
a nationwide inspection tour of customs entry collectorates. The first leg
of his tour started at the Guinean border customs entry port at Zorzor District
Yealla in Lofa County, where he held interactive discussions with customs and
revenue officials. Ngafuan inspected ongoing construction works on the multi-purpose
customs house under the auspices of the Liberia Community Infrastructure Project
[LCIP], funded by the United States Agency for International Development [USAID].
It is hoped the new facility will aid the flow of imported goods between the
two countries and lead to increased revenue generation.
Ngafuan also visited the
Mendikorma Port of Entry, which borders the Sierra Leone in the Foya Statutory
District. Ngafuan was briefed on the challenges,
problems and prospects by local customs officials assigned to the area. He
expressed grave concern about the slow pace of construction work being carried
out by engineers. On the Sierra Leonean side, the minister and his team were
upbeat about the customs facilities of their counterparts which have been improved
with financial support from the British Government’s Department for International
Development [DFID]. Meanwhile the reconstructed Bo-Waterside customs port in
Grand Cape Mount County that connects Liberia and the Sierra Leone has already
been inaugurated. [DO 02/02/10]
Seismic Survey Vessels Offshore Liberia
- 22/01/10
Dubai-based shipowner Polarcus [www.polarcus.com] will officially join the
seismic acquisition market this month when its first newly built ship, Polarcus
Nadia, starts its maiden survey offshore Liberia. Polarcus Nadia is en route
to Liberia after its delivery from Drydocks World’s Dubai shipyard in
November, to start a survey under a charter with Norwegian contractor TGS-Nopec.
The ship will complete a 5,0002km survey offshore Liberia, which is an area
that oil companies are interested to explore following a hydrocarbon discovery
this year in neighbouring Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile a second newbuilding, Polarcus
Naila, is also on its way to West Africa for its first project. Polarcus has
a contract to undertake a 1,5002km 3D seismic
survey in Cameroon for US oil group Noble Energy and Malaysia’s Petronas
Carigali. This is expected to commence in the first quarter and should last 45
days.[LL 22/01/10]
Two Port Operators Submit Bids for Modernization
of Liberia NPA / Monrovia Port - 17/12/09
The Liberian government has announced that two international port operators
have tendered bids for reforming the National Port Authority [NPA www.nationalportauthorityliberia.org].
The bidders are APM Terminals [AP Moller – Maersk Group] & the Bolloré Group.
The bid includes the reconstruction of the deteriorated 60-year-old general
cargo pier at Monrovia port as well as the management of port operations. Investment
is estimated at more than US$100 million.
In December 2007, a Memorandum of Understanding
[MOU] was signed between the Government of Liberia, the World Bank, the Government
of USA and the United
Nations Mission in Liberia [UNMIL] for a public-private partnership [PPA] arrangement
to facilitate port infrastructure, improve operations and increase productivity
of the Freeport of Monrovia with the aim of modernizing its aged facilities,
and making its operations more efficient and effective. The initiative is also
in support of the government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. [DO / TI 17/12/09]
Liberia Wants National Trade Policy - 22/12/09
For Liberia to be accepted into the World Trade Organization, it must have
is a trade policy document and the country has never had one. Thus Liberian
is making frantic efforts to draw up its own trade policy following a 3-day
ECOWAS sponsored workshop to review and edit the first draft of the document.
The workshop brought together 50 participants from various government institutions,
civil society, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, Labour Congress and the consumer
network, among others. Several topics were discussed during the sessions
including link to domestic trade agenda for Liberia, bilateral and multilateral
trade
facilitation, building production capacity for domestic and export market
and intellectual property rights. Once the document is passed into law,
Liberia
will become second to Ghana in the sub-region to have a national trade policy
document. The draft policy document is expected to be presented to Commerce
Minister Miatta Beyslow shortly for onward submission to President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf. [TI 22/12/09]
Hydrographic Survey Paves Way for Greenville
Port Reopening - 15/11/09
With a recent ship capsizing in the harbour, along with outdated hydrographic
surveys and poor road conditions, the port of Greenville was closed to all
maritime traffic. However the port has reopened for use after Dutch and U.S.
naval survey teams completed a 7-day joint hydrographic survey of its waterways,
clearing the way for future commercial traffic to begin using the harbour
again. These surveys will ensure that Liberian nautical charts are up to
date and
will show the commercial shipping industry when and where it is safe to navigate
in these waters. Technologies, such as motion reference, multi-beam echo
sounding and precise GPS positioning were used to paint a complete picture
of each harbor’s
sea floor.
The teams also
installed tide gauges to document the ever-changing levels of tides in each
harbor. Surveys were also produced for Monrovia and Buchanan ports.
The Royal Netherlands Navy vessel HNLMS Johan de Witt was used as an Africa
Partnership Station [APS]. APS focuses on building cooperative partnerships
with regional maritime services in order to achieve common international
goals such as stability and security.
Although the Greenville harbor is reopened for use, the port must await commercial
industry verification prior to allowing commercial traffic in. APS will bring
an international team of maritime experts including elements from Belgium,
the Netherlands, Portugal and the United States to offer assistance in addressing
maritime safety and security.
The APS Johan de Witt deployment began in September
and will run through November and encompass stops in Cape Verde, Ghana, Liberia,
Senegal and Sierra
Leone
for training of maritime staff. [DVIDS 05/11/09]
Government Moves to Regularize Trade Policy
- September 2009
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with ECOWAS has held
a 2-day trade policy seminar in Monrovia with the aim of regularizing the
post war country's trade policy.The roundtable is intended to carve a trade
policy for the country as Liberia seeks to join the World Trade Organization
[WTO] and other international trade related bodies. Liberia does not as yet
have a definite trade policy.
NPA Needs US$98 Million - 12/10/09
Matilda Parker, Managing Director of the National Port Authority [NPA], has
disclosed that the NPA is experiencing huge challenges in its operations
noting the port needs US$98 million for full rehabilitation. Parker noted
the port lacks adequate processes, controls and procedures to support transparency
and accountability. She also noted a lack of funding for port enhancement
and development, inadequate security measures and the lack of electricity.
The Managing Director has threatened to downsize
the port workforce and disclosed that there are plans for the management review
of lease agreements of port
facilities. Parker also noted that the head office of port will be relocated
to the old Danco Yard with the idea to create more room for container storage
at the port. [TA 12/10/09]
NPA Concludes Gemap Program - 11/10/09
The National Port Authority [NPA] will conclude the Governance and Economic
Management Assistance Program [GEMAP] this month. As such it will take
over total responsibility for financial management by the end of October
2009.
GEMAP, a multi-donor and Government of Liberia partnership, was designed
in 2005 to build the Liberian government's capacity in financial management
and
accountability, procurement practices and granting of concessions, and
effective processes to control corruption. The World Bank, the International
Monetary
Fund, the European Commission, as well as USAID, provided technical assistance
and training. [TI 11/10/09]
World Bank Approves US$24.2 Million For Emergency
Infrastructure Including Roads/Ports- 30/06/09
The World Bank has approved US$24.2 million to provide additional grants to
Liberia for the Emergency Infrastructure Project [EIP]. The grants will help
finance road works on the 83km Freeport of Monrovia to Cotton Tree road corridor,
construction of a critical bridge in Monrovia as well as new activities in
the port of Monrovia. [WB 30/06/09]
New Bridge: Bokey Town-Bassa Highway -
05/06/09
China Henan International Cooperation [CHICO], the company contracted by
the Liberian Government to
rehabilitate the Cotton-Tree-Buchanan Highway will also construct a new bridge
on the river in Bokey Town.
Work on the highway is expected to last for 18 months. Road rehabilitation
is one of the major priorities of the
Liberian Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy [PRS] part of a donor-dependent
US$1.6-billion program
implemented between 01/04/08 and 30/06/11. [TI 05/06/09]
New Management Team At Liberia Port - 22/05/09
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has named a new management team for the National
Port Authority [NPA]. The team is headed by Matilda Parker, Managing Director;
Samuel Karmo, Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Jeffrey George,
Deputy Managing Director for Operations. The appointments take immediate effect.
[22/05/09]
Gaye Takes Over Transport Ministry - 12/05/09
Alphonso Gaye, the new Transport Minister recently designated by the government
has taken over promising to improve the transport sector of Liberia. Gaye
replaces Jackson Doe. According to the outgoing minister the administration
had generated over US$4million and had successfully decentralized the ministry
by establishing sub-offices in 4-regions of the country. [TI 12/05/09]
Torm Alexandra Raised At Monrovia Port -
08/05/09
The Torm Alexandra has finally be raised in Monrovia Freeport after a lengthy
and complicated salvage operation. The vessel is expected to be removed from
the pier this weekend. The ship will be demolished and sold for scrap.
The ship capsized and sunk on 25/07/01 after local stevedores, who had little
experience with large cargoes, mishandled the ship's two cranes they were using
to offload containers. The containers slid towards the port side of the vessel,
causing it to heel.
The salvage operation was carried out by Buchanan Renewables, a Geneva-based
company which is building a $112m power plant to provide electricity to the
capital and surrounding area. Please click
here for a picture.
Government Launch Freeport Scheme - 27/02/09
The government of Liberia has called for expressions
of interest to develop and operate a Freeport zone at Monrovia port, including
a container / multipurpose terminal for development and operation of a multipurpose
container terminal [break-bulk, general and containers].
The Government’s key objective is to improve the overall performance
of the port and therewith facilitating the Liberian economy for further growth.
In order to improve the service level in the Freeport of Monrovia and to
capture private sector financing capabilities, a concession package was developed
by
the Government of Liberia. Further information can be found on www.portreform.gov.lr
[DY 27/02/09]
Bong Iron Ore Project To Recondition Monrovia
Port - 26/01/09
China Union has signed on 22/01/09 a US$2.6 billion contract with Liberia’s
government for the Bong iron-ore development project.
The project is expected to start within 18 months with investment disbursed
over a period of between 8-10 years.
Under its contract China Union intends to recondition Monrovia port and
build a hydro power plant to supply the city with electricity.
Liberia Needs US$50 Million to Repair Deep-Water
Port - 07/01/09
Liberia’s Finance Ministry said it needs US$50 million to repair the
deep-water port in the capital, Monrovia,
as it prepares to hand over management of the facility to private investors. “What
we are doing right now is
sourcing where to get those funds,” according to Finance Minister Augustine
Ngafuan. In November, Liberia
announced plans to convert its state-owned port system into a public-private
partnership over the next 2-
years. The Monrovia port is the only functioning port out of four facilities
in Liberia. Liberia is rebuilding its
economy after a civil war between 1989 and 2003 in which most of the country’s
infrastructure was
destroyed. [BL 07/01/09]
Police Launch Vehicle Inspections - November
2008
The Liberia National Police are to launch vehicle inspections for road worthiness,
beginning with trucks, Police Chief of Traffic, Mickee S. Gray, has disclosed.
The exercise which would be launched by Police Director, Beatrice Munah Sieh-Brown
is intended to ensure that only road worthy vehicles ply the streets of Liberia.
He said the exercise which for now is a voluntary one would be launched at
the Monrovia Transit Authority [MTA] head office in Gardnerville, near Monrovia.
Nexportrade Launched in Liberia - 07/11/08
Nexportrade Houses Ltd [http://nigerianexporter.org/nhl/about.html], an initiative
by the various small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, has launched formal
international trade negotiations by sending a business delegation to Liberia
led by the organisation's chairman, Romeo Barberopoulos. Post negotiations,
Nexportrade Liberia Inc. was launched. The venture is expected to offer both
countries the benefit of discount on freight charges on consignment and market
intelligence and check-mating of faked Nigerian products in Liberia. [VAN
07/11/08]
New Approach To Curb Corruption At Seaports?
- 25/10/08
A 2-day national workshop was recently held on cargo shipping and clearing
at Liberia’s seaports. The main
focus was how to fight corrupt practices at Liberia’s seaports. National
Port Authority [NPA] Board Chairman,
Dr. William Allen launched a new whistle blower fund whereby any credible exposure
of corrupt persons
would be awarded financially. Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce,
Finance, and Stakeholders of
the Port among others attended the workshop. [LBS 25/10/08]
US Government To Remove Sunken Vessel At
US$15 Million - 24/10/08
Following a visit by President Sirleaf to the USA the US government has agreed
to remove the sunken vessel from the Freeport of Monrovia. A team from the United
States is expected to visit Liberia in December this year on an assessment mission.
The move is estimated to cost US$11-15
million. [TN 24/10/08]
Vai Town Bridge Reconstruction Begins Soon
- 29/09/08
The Vai Town Bridge linking Waterside with Bushrod Island, which collapsed
several months ago is to be
reconstructed. The government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works,
has signed a US$14.5million
agreement on 24/09/08 with Chinese firm China Chunk Wan International Construction
Corporation [CHICO]. The project will be financed by the World Bank
and is expected to be concluded in 2-years. [TA 29/09/08]
Bridge Linking River Gee, Maryland Collapsed
- 29/09/08
A bridge linking Rivergee County to Maryland County has collapsed due to
the over flooding of the Gee River
caused by heavy rains. The local authority of both counties are presently
collaborating to ensure the speedy
reconstruction of the bridge. [TN 29/09/08]
Ecowas To Send Trade Experts - 10/09/08
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade, Dr. Alhaji Mohammed
B. Daramy has revealed that ECOWAS will send a
team of experts to Monrovia to support Liberia's efforts surrounding the Common
External Tariff. Speaking at the
official launch of Liberia's National Coordinating Committee on Trade [NCCT],
Daramy said that Liberia has great
potential but the right enabling environment is absence.
The NCCT is designed to act as a platform for analyzing trade policy and trade
negotiation strategies along with their
sequencing and timing. The committee will also support trade negotiations at
bilateral/multilateral levels and
coordinate consensus building among institutions of governments and between
government and stakeholders. The
ECOWAS program will work with the Ministry of Commerce to set up a participatory
and inclusive trade policy
decision-making mechanism. The committee will be linked to the ECOWAScommission
trade department and to
other committees in other member states of the community.
NPA Halts Work On M/V Torm Alexandra -
19/08/08
The Management of Delta Impex, the company that won the bid to remove
the sinking vessel at the Freeport of Monrovia has been served notice by
the National Port Authority [NPA] to halt further works on the vessel
M/V Torm
Alexander and works to remove 14 other vessels sunk off the port pier.
Delta Impex was contracted to perform the task within 24 months but now
18 months
into the contract, the company is yet to remove any vessels.
The General Manager
of Delta Impex, Charles K. Mochiah, said the NPA management did not release
the contract until 12/01/07 and that equipment brought into
Liberia to complete the job under the company ‘Metropolis’ was
held for several months due to problems granting a duty free release on the
equipment. Once equipment was cleared Metropolis had only 2-weeks left on its
contract with Delta and had to leave the country due to other contractual agreements. Delta
then brought in another company, which sent a team to inspect the job and work
began on the wreckage. However according to Mochiah, while efforts were being
made to remove the vessels, the NPA management blocked workers from entering
the port by seizing their passes and allegedly granted permission to another
company 'Sandercon Construction Company' to carry out an inspection on the
vessel.
Mochiah reiterated that Delta’s
contract terms offered a no cost solution to the government or the NPA and
has recalled that the previous two bidders
competing for the contract in 2006 would take nothing less than US$3million
plus the scrap value. The NPA had initially contracted GETMA Liberia Limited
and Rio International to remove the wreckages prior to the contract with Delta.
[TI 19/08/08]
NPA Tug Boat Grounded - 08/08/08
The shortage of fresh water supply has reportedly led to the grounding of
the newly purchased tug by the
National Port Authority [NPA]. The Togolese boat which was purchased and
turned over to the NPA on
15/05/08 has been grounded since week 32. According to local reports the
tug needs about 8,000 gallons of
fresh water supply to cool down the engine and supplies are seriously depleted.
Fears are that the tug is not
being maintained. Tugs include the Bushrod Island [30 years old] and Defender
[38 years old]. [TA 08/08/08]
Mano Resources Company Targets Modern Seaport
- 01/08/08
One of the Liberia's leading post-war investors in the mining sector, Mano River
Resources Incorporated has promised to construct a modern seaport in the South-eastern
part of the country when giving the license. Its CEO, Karl Smithson said the
company has informed the government of its interest to mine iron ore in the Putu
Mountains in Grand Gedeh County, South-eastern Liberia. If approved Mano River
would expand its development plans to construct a deep seaport and railroads
in the South-eastern region of Liberia. The company has already reconditioned
bridges and highways in Weasua, Gbarpolu County and Tubmanburg, Bomi County.
[TA 01/08/08]
Gabon: Libreville Port To Close For 5 Days-
19/06/08
Due to dredging operations, please note that the port of Libreville Owendo
will be closed from Friday 20th to Tuesday 24th June 2008.
Local contact details
for the port:
OPRAG (Office of the Ports and Roadsteads of Gabon)
Head office : Owendo Po Box 1051 Libreville Gabon
Phone : (241) 70.00.48 - 70.17.59F
Fax : (241) 70.37.35
E-mail : info@ports-gabon.com
NPA Faces Set Back As Fire Destroys Port
Equipment-
30/05/08
The National Port Authority [NPA] is facing a major set back as fire gutted
one of its major top lifters
nicknamed the "Rich Tiger". The damaged to one of the ports major
transport apparatus used to discharge
containers has brought operations to a stand still. Local reports note the
insurance company is cooperating
with LNFS and the management of Safe - Bond Africa, the company contracted
by the NPA to conduct cargo
handling and who own most of the equipment. [TI 30/05/08]
USAID/LCIP Rehabilitates Three Majors Roads-
26/05/08
The United States Aid for International Development [USAID] Liberia Community
Infrastructure Program has
embarked on the rehabilitation of three major Highways in the country. The
US$ 2.3 million project covers a
150-mile road linking three of Liberia's counties: Grand Bassa, Rivercess
and Sinoe. Rehabilitation work will
be completed by July 2008.[TI 26/05/08]
NPA Commissions New Pilot Boat-
27/03/08
The management of the National Port Authority [NPA] has commissioned a US$190,000
pilot boat that will
be used to escort incoming vessels. [TA 27/03/08]
Police, Truckers Association Place Restrictions
On Container Vehicles- 14/03/08
The Truckers Association, the umbrella group representing container and other
commercial trucks in
collaboration with the Liberian National Police [LNP], and the Liberia Seaport
Police [LSP] have imposed a
set of restrictions on the movement of all container trucks leaving the Freeport
of Monrovia. The new
measures place restrictions on the movement of trucks within Bushrod Island
and Central Monrovia. The
LNP will conduct a vigorous check on all container trucks on the first three
working days of every month. Any
truck deemed un-roadworthy will be impounded. [TI 14/03/08]
New Guidelines for Container Trucks-
04/03/08
Following a recent death caused by a container truck, the Liberia National
Police [LNP], the Port Truckers
Association [PTA] and the National Ports Authority [NPA] have put in place
new regulations to prevent any further
occurrences. The new regulation is expected to streamline all container trucks
entering or leaving the Freeport of
Monrovia to be roadworthy and to be in perfect running condition. Effective
07/03/08 a specialist team will carry out
inspections of all container trucks to ensure that they are road worthy. A
new form has already been prepared by
the NPA that would give the go ahead for the truck to enter the port post inspection.
Stickers or access passes
would then be issued with regular monitoring. [TI 04/03/08]
US$1.5 Million Road Rehab Project Underway-
07/03/08
The Cavalla Rubber Corporation [CRC] in Maryland County is expected to embark
on rehabilitation of major
highways in Liberia at a cost of US$1.5 million. Equipment for the road project
has been reported to be already in
Maryland. [TN 07/03/08]
Mittal/LAC Develop Transport Infrastructures-
10/03/08
Arcelor Mittal Steel operating in Buchanan, has embarked on a series of development
initiatives including
rehabilitation and modernization works of the railways to connect with
Yekepa station. Mittal Steel has also brought
in two high rail vehicles with dual capacity that will be used on Buchanan
- Yekepa line. Twelve additional high rail
pickups are expected in April for transport. Mittal Steel is reconditioning
a 220 km road from the Liberia Agriculture
Company [LAC] site to Ganta at a cost US$2.2 million and in turn LAC
will rehabilitate the 40 km road linking LAC to
Buchanan. Westwood, SSF Corporation, Gray Construction Co. and Genesis
Corporation have been contracted to
undertake the work. [TA 10/03/08]
British Consortium Expresses Interest in
Freeport-
04/03/08
A consortium of five British companies has expressed interest to invest in
the Freeport of Monrovia after initial
assessments and meetings with the National Port Authority [NPA] and Chairman
of the National Investment
Commission [NIC] with the aid of local company Lorenza Incorporated. The consortium
includes the Infrastructure
Development Group [IDG] Maritime, Nectar and Coastal Reclamation Engineering
Services [CARES]. The group
are looking to target a 25-year investment. [All Africa 04/03/08]
Major Road Rehabilitation Kicks Off In Monrovia -
18/11/07 President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has broken grounds for the start of major road
rehabilitation works in the country. The exercise will not be limited to
Monrovia alone but extended to rural Liberia, especially in the Southeast,
where roads in that part of the country are in a deplorable state due to
lack of maintenance over the years. Phase-one of the general rehabilitation
of roads will cost US$23.38 million. Phase-two, is estimated at more than
US$25-million. The amount is being solicited from the country's development
partners.
Areas to benefit from the first phase of the road construction and rehabilitation
include Greater Monrovia; Freeport to Red Light, Somalia Drive, ELWA Junction
to Roberts International Airport. Phase-2 will cover Cotton-Tree in Margibi
County to Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Caldwell and Careysburg. The road project
is being undertaken by a Chinese Construction company, Chinese Highway International
Corporation [CHICO]. The President also lauded those who contributed towards
the successful completion of the US$1.5 million Jallah Town road project. [TA
18/11/07]
Mittal Chairman Visits Liberia: Buchanan Port-
12/12/07
The Chairman of Arcelor Mittal Steel is visiting Liberia to hold discussions
with President Johnson Sirleaf centering on strengthening the partnership
between Arcelor Mittal Steel and Liberia. The visit is the first since the
company and Government concluded negotiations and subsequently signed a concession
agreement for the company to invest in the country. Under the agreement,
Arcelor Mittal, which is the world's largest steel company will invest nearly
US$1billion in Liberia. The Chairman is due to visit the Port of Buchanan
which will serve as the point of iron ore export. [12/12/07]
Maritime Signs Accord for MRCC-
12/11/07
Liberia has again made progress to improve her maritime development program
by signing a multilateral agreement for the establishment of the Maritime
Rescue Coordinating Center [MRCC]. The agreement brought together representatives
from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Guinea; as well as the International
Maritime Organization, [IMO]. According to Commissioner of the Bureau of
Maritime, John Morlu, the center is expected to cover the 4 countries; as
per the outcome of the Florence Diplomatic Conference on Search and Rescue
and the Global Maritime Distress & Safety System [GMDSS]. [TI 12/11/07]
Stevedores Threaten Withdrawal From Seamen Union-
20/11/07
Leadership crisis within the United Seamen Port and General Workers Union of
Liberia [USPGWUL] has deepened with its Stevedore section threatening to
pull out of the Union. The President of USPGWUL, Nimely Davies said that
they were withdrawing from the Union as a protest against ongoing lawlessness
and violence, among others overshadowing the Union. Davis also disclosed
that Alfred Thomas has been voted out of offices as president of the Seafarers
section of USPGWUL several months ago for poor leadership ability. [TA 11/11/07]
Pre-Shipment Bidding-
23/10/07
Following a bidding exercise the Ministry of Finance has announced that four
companies have been short-listed to take over the pre-shipment exercise for
goods coming into Liberia. After a 3-week review of their submissions, COTCNA,
SGS, BIVAC, and INTERTEK have qualified. In order to win the bid they will
submit technical and financial proposals in sealed envelopes. However some
concerned business people have noted that this process should be open and
transparent and seek the involvement of the public to ensure that only a
company with sound record be selected. [TI 23/10/07]
China Eyes Costal Areas for Roads-
26/10/07
The newly accredited Chinese envoy to Liberia, Zhou Yuxiao has expressed the
need to develop the coastal territorial road network of Liberia to facilitate
trade. The Chinese envoy disclosed that the Chinese government brought 1000
pieces of heavy equipment to begin the road rehabilitation of the Buchanan
Highway amongst others. [TI 26/10/07]
Liberia Presses for World Trade Membership-
23/10/07
The World Trade Organization (WTO), in collaboration with the Liberian government
kick started the campaign to join the organisation with a 2-day sensitization
workshop. It will take at least five years for Liberia to obtain its membership
into the WTO and then only if the necessary requirements are met by the government.
Benefits would include enhancing the exportation of locally produced products,
expansion of domestic industries and promote Liberia’s economic growth
and development. [TN 23/10/07]
Storage Facility Dedicated at Freeport-
11/09/07
President Johnson-Sirleaf marked the opening of a new 56,000m2 storage facility
in Monrovia port on 10/09/07. According to National Port Authority [NPA]
Managing Director, George Tubman, the warehouse is not limited to any group
of business. [TI 11/09/07]
Delta Impex Begins Removing Sinking Vessel-
06/09/07
Delta Impex Incorporated is making last minute preparations to remove the
MV Tom Alexandra which sunk at the Freeport of Monrovia on 25/07/00. The
company
has reportedly started to fill the vessel with air bags attached to high
voltage air compressors that will expand the bags to enable the vessel
to float. [TI 06/09/07]
Port Gets New Chairman-
06/09/07
Dr William Allen has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors
for the National Port Authority [NPA] of Liberia. [TI 06/09/07]
BIVAC Unveils Office At Freeport-
27/08/07
Bureau Veritas [BIVAC] has unveiled an office for the Customs and Excise Service
at the Freeport of Monrovia. Deputy MD for BIVAC, Henry Bernard, announced
that the US$25,000 office, built to accommodate their partners in the same
compound, is hoped to enhance a smooth working relationship between BIVAC
and the inspection of goods and collection of revenues in the country. [TI
27/08/07]
Peacekeepers Rebuild Key Bridge Damaged By Heavy Rains-
31/08/07
Peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in Liberia [UNMIL] have rebuilt a
key bridge linking the capital, Monrovia, with the western part of the country
and neighbouring Sierra Leone that recently collapsed, leaving thousands
of commuters stranded. The Kiakpu River Bridge, which is about 15km west
of Monrovia, is a vital route used for travel and commerce by both Liberians
and Sierra Leoneans. [UN 31/08/07]
World Bank Gives US$37 Million For Old Bridge-
31/08/07
As part of efforts to rejuvenate the infrastructural and agricultural capacity
in Liberia, the World Bank, in partnership with Liberia, has signed a US$37million
Agriculture and Infrastructure Development Project [AIDP] funded through
the International Development Association [IDA]. The AIDP will include the
refurbishing of the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, commonly known as "The Old
Bridge" as well as rehabilitation and construction of several major
bridges on principal road corridors; while funds will be made available for
maintenance of roads currently under emergency repairs. According to Liberian
Finance Minister, Antoinette Sayeh the project will also focus on managerial
reform of the National Port Authority [NPA]. [TI 22/08/07]
Container Scanning Program - 13/09/07 The Liberian Ministry of Finance have announced the implementation
of the Container Scanning Program starting from the 13th of September 2007.
Click here for
full details.
Liberia Receives a Grant for Infrastructure
Development: Monrovia Port - 31/07/07
The World Bank has approved an International Development Association [IDA]
grant of US$37 million to support the Government of Liberia’s efforts
in re-establishing basic infrastructure and reviving agricultural activities.
The ‘Agriculture and Infrastructure Development Project’ will support
the Government with a management contract for operation of the Port of Monrovia
and complementary advisory services to undertake a reform of the port sector.
It will also fund technical assistance to other entities of the Government
responsible for transport and infrastructure. The project will also fund the
reconstruction of the oil jetty in the Port of Monrovia, the rehabilitation
and construction of several major bridges on
principal road corridors, including the collapsed Vai City Bridge in Monrovia,
and on a number of smaller river crossings nationwide. Funds will also be made
available for maintenance of roads currently under emergency repairs. [WB 31/07/07]
Official Notice On Vessel Reception & Cargo Operation
- Monrovia Port Authority- 11/08/07
National Port Authority - Freeport of Monrovia
Memorandum -11/08/07
The management of the national port authority has taken cognizance of the deplorable
condition of essential port infrastructures and is taking the appropriate steps
to reinstate the facilities to desirable levels and thereby boost performance.
In this connection, the following procedures shall be adhered to as regards
vessel reception and cargo operation click
here to read on...:
President Puts National Police Boss On Probation Port
Clashes-
10/08/07
President Sirleaf has placed Police Inspector General, Madam Beatrice Munah
Sieh on a three-month probation, in relation with the 9 July violent clash
between the national police and the seaport police at the Monrovia Port.
The President overturned the Boima Fahnbulleh Committee recommendation, set
up to investigate the matter, to dismiss the police inspector general for “professional
misconduct”. In her six-count decision following the thorough study
of the Fahnbulleh report, the Liberian leader directed that the Port Authority
and the police to investigate the level of injury sustained and property
damaged during the incident for “an appropriate level of compensation”.
[APA 10/08/07]
Public Works: Road Construction-
03/07/07
Road construction and rehabilitation is expected to begin in Monrovia and parts
of rural Liberia during the dry season. Most of the road networks have been
in deplorable condition following the 14-year devastating civil war. The
entities responsible are the Ministry of Public Works [MPW] and the China
Henan International Corporation Group of Companies Limited [CHICO]. CHICO
is a World Bank sponsored project with a strong team of consultants. [TI
03/07/08]
Clashes At Monrovia Port-
17/07/07
Liberian National Police clashed with seaport police at Monrovia port placing
dozens in hospital on 09/07/07. The clash was over an investigation of fuel
theft. The fighting was quelled by UN troops. Calm has returned and normal
activities have resumed. Meanwhile the Liberian government has set up a Board
of Inquiry to investigate the violence apportioned the greatest responsibility
for the violence on the national police and has recommended the dismissal
of the Inspector-General of Police, Beatrice Munah Sieh. [BBC 09/07/07 /
APA 17/07/07]
Port Road To Be Rehabilitated-
28/06/08
The Minister of Public Works, Louseni Donzo has disclosed that the freeway
from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Red Light commercial centre on the outskirts
of Monrovia is to be rehabilitated. Major reconstruction of nationwide roads
is expected to kick off during the dry season, facilitated by Chico Construction
a Chinese firm as part of a World Bank initiative. [TI 28/06/07]
Monrovia Port Dredging-
27/06/07
The government of Liberia has entered into an agreement with Dredging International
to dredge the main entrance of Monrovia port. The company is currently in
the country and are expected to remain for 2 months with works expected to
commence mid May 2007. In November 2006 the World Bank approved a US$8.5
million grant to the Government of Liberia to support its infrastructural
regeneration programs over a 4 years period. One critical area needing urgent
rehabilitation was the Port of Monrovia including a dredging program.
Limited Equipment Stall Freeport Operations
/ Overnight Fees- 03/05/07
The problem of limited equipment continues to slow down daily operations at
the Freeport of Monrovia. The container park is over crowded with containers
that can not be transported out of the port due to lack of machines and of
the reported 3 units that do work these often mal-function. Brokers stress that
due to lack of equipment containers often remain overnight in the port and
become liable for "Over Night" fees put into place
by the port management. They claimed they pay US$21.50 for “their containers
to sleep at the port”. Operations cease at 1600hrs. Meanwhile, the brokers
are appealing to the management of the port to either remove or reduce the "over-night
fee" and bring in "a good company" that
will provide good services to speed operations at the port. [TA 03/05/07]
Liberia Assembly Ratifies US$1 Bln Mittal Iron Deal/Retains
Port Control- 24/04/07
According to Mines Minister Eugene Shannon, Liberia's parliament has ratified
a US$1 billion iron ore mining project signed with the world's largest steel
producer Arcelor Mittal. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf last year renegotiated
an agreement signed in 2005 by an unelected interim government, boosting
the state's interest in the deal and raising the investment from $900 million.
The revisions to the deal ensure the Liberian state would retain control
of its main port of Buchanan and a railway serving the mine, both of which
had been awarded to the steelmaker under the original agreement. [Reuters
24/04/07]
UNHCR Reconstructs Highways in Lofa County-
09/05/07
The UNHCR and the Government are to reconditioned the Voinjama, Kolahun and
Foya highways in Lofa County, with support of the World Bank, UNMIL and the
Swiss government. The Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), has engaged the
services of SSF Entrepreneur, Inc. [TA 09/05/07]
Road Maintenance Equipment Arrives-
16/04/07
The Ministry of Public Works is rehabilitating a number of roads in the county
including a major road linking Barclayville to Pleebo and has announced the
arrival of road maintenance equipment in the country. [TA 16/04/07]
IMF Sees Liberia Growth Surge-
17/04/08
Liberia's economic growth, already motoring at nearly 8% thanks to reconstruction
after a civil war, will surge above 11% on average in the coming five years
according to the International Monetary Fund. An IMF team which visited
earlier this month said however the West African country could not sustain
its huge
foreign debt, which totals nearly $4bn, and needed comprehensive debt relief. "A
similar growth rate is projected for 2007. Over the period 2008-2012, growth
is now projected to average over 11%, buoyed by the expected revival of
mining,
forestry and agricultural sectors," it
said. Arcelor-Mittal, the world's biggest steel company, is investing $1bn
in an iron ore mine in Liberia, including building a railway and upgrading
port facilities. [Reuters 17/04/07]
NPA Board Dismisses Top Managers-
26/03/07
The Board of Directors of the National Port Authority [NPA] has dismissed the
entire top management team at the NPA for lack of performance. According
to its Chairman, Musa Bility, they were relieved of their positions on 31/03/07.
NPA Managing Director, Togba Nangana, Deputy Managing Director for Administration,
Hans Williams and Deputy Managing Director for Operations, James Dogba Yassah,
have all been dismissed.
At the same time, the NPA Board has appointed board member Joseph Kollie Acquoi
I, as Acting Managing Director. Other Board members appointed include Mr. S.
Reginald Pratt, Acting Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Ms.
Grace Tee Kpaan, Deputy Managing Director for Operations. Ms. Kpaan is the
President of the Dock Workers Union of Liberia [DOWUL]. Prior to the dismissal
of the entire management team, the NPA Board had suspended the Comptroller,
Joss Woods. Also, President Johnson-Sirleaf recently appointed Mr. Togba Nangana
as Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works.
[TA 26/03/07]
US Government Gives Road Equipment-
27/03/07
The US Government turned has given a Caterpillar motor grader, two front end
loaders, and a backhoe loader as first of several pieces of road reconstruction
and maintenance equipment, which are valued at the cost US$2.0 million. [TI
27/03/07]
Government Grants Waiver-
21/03/07
The Liberian government has granted a 100% waiver on storage charges covering
personal effects, humanitarian and medical items currently at the Freeport
of Monrovia. The decision to waive storages charges was reached following
a meeting between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Management and
Board of Directors of the NPA. Under terms of the waiver, institutions or
individuals applying for waivers must clear all finance and other customs
taxes to qualify. [Liberia Government 21/03/07]
Netherlands & Spain To Assist With Liberian Ports-
19/03/07
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has held talks with Dutch officials whilst
on a recent visit to Europe. The Dutch government is interested in Liberian
Ports and what assistance they can render toward their rehabilitation. The
Dutch would also be looking at land reclamation initiatives. Johnson-Sirleaf
also held a series of meetings with the Spanish Prime Minister, Rodriguez
Zapatero.
As a result of that meeting, the Government of Spain will
organize a Mission to Liberia, to assess the possibility of undertaking renovations
at the port of Monrovia as well as the removal of sunken vessels in the harbour.
Spain is also expected to assume the leadership in the renovation of the port.
Both projects would be on a multilateral basis. [Liberia Government: 19 March
Press Brief]
