OT Africa Line Service
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please see our latest service
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Freetown
Port Information
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The main seaport in
Sierra Leone is the Port of Freetown, which is situated in Freetown the capital.
For many years the war-torn West African port of Freetown was out-of-bounds.
Recently British paratroopers have entered the country and a few shipping
lines, including OT Africa Line, have resumed port calls.
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) established by the Ports Act in 1964
performed regulatory and other duties relating to coastal and river transportation.
The creation of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) in July 2000
with regulatory powers over maritime transport has now relieved SLPA of these
regulatory functions.
A considerable amount of the Authority's infrastructure was destroyed in the
1997 invasion of the capital and again in 1999 by fighting forces. In addition,
the number of employees also lost their lives during this period as a result
of the Port's invasion. Two of the four warehouses were destroyed and a crater
was formed on Berth 5. Since then the warehouses have been repaired and returned
to full use but Berth 5 remains out of use because of underwater rehabilitation
works being carried out.
Following the end of the civil conflict, the World Bank (WB) and the World
Food Programme (WFP) provided funds for the rehabilitation of the port. These
works were split in to two phases. Phase 1 was completed in March 2002. Funding
under a credit agreement meant the SLPA must pay 20% of the total estimated
cost of the Port and Marine Slipway as counterpart funding. This amounted
to US$2 million, which came from internally generated resources. In additional
further assistance was provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) for new
cargo handling equipment and for the rehabilitation of Shed 4, which was
damaged during the civil conflict.
The majority of shipments to Freetown are food and aid supplies for the UN
troops but bit by bit commercial business is recovering and imports and exports
are picking up. The port is located in Cline town, the eastern part of Freetown
and handles the largest vessels. The port, which is formed of Queen Elizabeth
II Quay (QE II Quay), has a protected anchorage on the River Rokel. The port
is 10 metres deep at high tide and 7 metres at low tide, and has an overall
length of 1,067 metres. It has 6 berths, 4 large warehouses and container stacking
area of over 31,000-sq m, which has just been resurfaced.
Discharge operations are often slow due to inadequate equipment at the port.
Much of the ports handling equipment has been requisitioned by the UN to unload
military hardware. Hefty war risk insurance is another burden shipping lines
have to face. (See article below)
However Abraham Macauley, General Manager of SLMA is heavily focused on efforts
to instil a new approach to promote the maritime sector in Sierra Leone. Surveying
and dredging projects are under consideration to expand facilities and non-port
functions such as security and the marine slipway is being divested to private
companies. This means that the SLMA can focus on core port operations and vessel
turnover time. The SLMA is also positioning mandatory navigational aids at
the port entrance with an approach by the World Bank to fund such items as
buoys and lighthouses.
Another objective is to regulate and develop maritime transport
on inland waterways which played a major role in the economic development of
the country during the colonial days. The SLMA believes it can do this again
now that peace has been restored.
Draft at Berth
7-10 meters
No of Deepwater Quays
Queen Elizabeth II Quay (QE II Quay)
Length of Quay
1,067 metres consisting of 6 berths
Click here to
view our local agent, SAGA's access and infrastructural review on Freetown
port.
Port Security & ISPS
The implementation of the ISPS code came into effect
on the 1st July 2004, a global maritime security standard introduced
by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for member nations.
Below are the details of the Freetown ports plans for 2004:
A new international security organisation, Port Maritime
Security International (PMSi) has now been recruited by the government
to manage the security of the nation's major ports.
Ports and agency security officers have been trained
to meet the ISPS code
CCTV is being installed as well as improving the
lighting and security facilities in the port.
A scanning machine is to be installed in Spetember
2004
Sierra Leone Ports Authority
Sierre Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) is a semi-autonomous
organisation established by the Ports Act in 1964 (ammended in 1991).
It's responsibilities at inception were:
To control all ports and maritime activities
in Sierrra Leone
To operate the Port of Freetown
To oversee the ports of Nitti and Pepel which
were operated by private mining companies handling bulk exports
of bauxite, rutile and iron ore.
The main seaport in Sierra Leone is the Port of Freetown,
which is situated in Freetown the capital. The port is located in Cline
town, the eastern part and handles the largest vessels. The port which
is formed of Queen Elizabeth II Quay (QE II Quay) has a protected anchorage
on the River Rokel.
The port is 10 metres deep at high tide and 7 metres
at low tide, and has an overall length of 1,067 metres. It has 6 berths,
4 large warehouses and container stacking areasof over 31,000 sq m,
which has just been resurfaced.
Until 2001, SLPA also performed regulatory and other
duties relating to coastal and river transportation. The creation of
the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) in July 2000 with regulatory
powers over maritime transport has relieved SLPA of these regulatory
functions.
Transport
News
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Biometric System Introduced At Freetown Port Authority
- 05/02/10
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority [SLPA] is currently undertaking a registration
process of its staff for the commencement of its Biometrics System. According
to the Head of the Management Information Technology [MIT] Division Mr. Brima
Bainda, the Biometrics System is a computerized data-base collection of information.
On his part, SLPA General Manager Captain Benjamin O.N Davies said the initiative
is part of its administrative drive to ensure transparency, accountability
and efficiency at the Port. He said upon completion of a database computerized
depository of staff at various departments, “it is then easier for us
to link it with personnel carrying out functions including to link up with
attendance system that would ease the pressure of pay roll.”
Stressing the
significe of Biometric System Mr. Davies said the system, apart from minimizing
corruption, would used to leverage security issues as passes
would be produced from the same data. He said the system would also allow
management to have the necessary computer instrument in place in view of linking
it with
customs [ASYCUNDA]. [SEM 05/02/10]
SLPA, NRA Sign MOU For The Operation Of DTI - 19/01/10
Sierra Leone Ports Authority [SLPA] and the National Revenue Authority [NRA]
have signed a memorandum of understanding [MOU] for the operation of a
remote Direct Trader Input [DTI]. The agreement governs the electronics
transfer of Manifest Data, Customs Declaration Data and other related Trade
data and messages between the parties. However,
the agreement does not govern any other relations contractual or not in the
context of which messages are communicated.
According to the MOU, the attached
Technical Annex sets out the specifications agreed upon by the parties
for certain technical and procedural requirement.
“In the event of conflict between the terms of the agreement and The
Technical Annex, the terms of the agreement shall prevail,” the MOU stated, “Moreover,
the remote DTI operator must operate as a recognized legal entity in the Republic
of Sierra Leone. Each party at their own expense shall purchase, test and maintain
their respective equipment, software, peripherals and services necessary to
an acceptable standard to effectively and reliably transit and receive messages.
The remote DTI operator will install manage and maintain all necessary communication
links with the NRA.”
However, it is the sole responsibility of NRA to
facilitate and control electronic declarations and provide guidance to the
remote DTI. The MOU also stated that
no party shall make changes in the system operations that impair the mutual
capabilities of the parties to communicate as contemplated by the agreement
without providing prior notice of the intended change. Making his statement
SLPA General Manager Captain Benjamin Davies welcomed what he described as
laudable venture in the right direction. Mr. Davies said
the initiative is similar with his agenda to lift the SLPA to an enviable institution
in the sub-region. [SEM 19/01/10]
Launch Of Goods And Services Tax [GST] - 07/01/10
The introduction of the new Goods & Services Tax [GST] on the 01/01/10
marks a historical milestone in the economic development of Sierra Leone.
The new single rate for GST replaces the previous domestic and import sales
tax,
and other taxes, which complicated the tax regime and caused low payment compliance.
Sierra Leone has one of the lowest domestic revenue bases in
the World, at only 11.3% of GDP in 2009. This makes the Country overly dependent
on foreign
aid obstructs economic development. Increased tax revenue is essential for
the improvement of public services. All GST revenues are to be used to expand
and improve the quality of public services such as health, education, roads
and water. The World Bank, European Commission, African Development Bank and
UK Department for International Development have joined the Government in calling
on businesses to support the implementation of the GST. [DFID, WB, EU & AFDB
07/01/10]
Freetown Port Reforms - 04/12/09
As part of its national privatisation programme on port reform, the government
of Sierra Leone has invited expressions of
interest for the box facilities at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II pier.
DP World is said to consider involvement. [DY 04/12/09]
Sierra Leone Port Infrastructure Development Project
- 11/12/09
The Sierra Leone Port Authority [SLPA] has opened an invitation for bids for
an infrastructural project at Freetown port. [Ref:
ICB/IDP/SLPA/C02/ALW]. The Government has applied for a grant from the International
Development Association [IDA]
toward the cost of the project. The bidding will take place under World Bank
guidelines and will close on 21/01/10. A
minimum US$20,000 bid security is requested. [AT 11/12/09]
•
Demolition and reconstruction of 906m2 of reinforced concrete quay over quay
galleries
•
Provision and installation of 10 new steel manhole covers for access to galleries
•
Provision of 150 Fentek fenders and installation of 30 on the quay
•
Removal of 40 bollards and provision of 43 new bollards, installing 40 to the
quay
•
Provision of 22 new steel ladders and installation of 19 on the quay.
Parliament Approves SLPA Concession - 06/11/09
On 05/10/09 Parliament unanimously ratified a government motion to concession
parts of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority [SLPA] to private bodies. The National
Commission for Privatization [NCP] proposal for the concessioning of the
SLPA container terminal and the licensing of the cargo handling services
for bulk and break-bulk cargo operations will therefore become reality through
public and private ownership. The slip ways [which are also making a loss]
will also be concessioned through a bidding process.
The port of Freetown handles an average of 3,000 containers per month and 36,000
containers in a year but aims to increase this volume as a regional hub. [AT
06/11/09]
Freetown Port: Vessel Hits Berth – 26/08/09
Ro-ro vessel MV Oriental Hero carrying trucks / trailers and bagged cement
has hit the jetty at berth numbers 1A and 2 at Freetown port. Berth No.2
is operational and part of berth no.1A is closed. The impact was so great
that the administrative building has suffered cracks and surveys are being
undertaken to ascertain damage to the jetty.
ASYCUDA Project Underway - 05/08/09
The Sierra Leone Customs and Excise Department has announced that the introduction
of the ASYCUDA system is well underway as part of the National Revenue Authority’s
[NRA] modernisation plan. The move has already seen revenues in the first
6-months of 325-billion Leones.
ASYCUDA is a computer software package that is used by Customs Administrations
in many countries, in processing documents which relate to export and importation
of goods. It ensures fast clearance of goods, and at the same time accounting
for revenue collected and compilation of trade statistics. The project is expected
to cover Freetown Port, Lungi International Airport and the main border offices
in Gendema in the Pujehun district and Gbalamuya in the Kambia district.
The NRA,
as part of the £16-million sponsorship it has received from
Britain’s DFID, has completed the configuration and codification of the
procedures involved and installed the training/development server as well as
a web function and back-up server at its Customs House in Cline Town in Freetown.
The ASYCUDA Project Team has also completed overview training at the port,
customs and at shipping agencies and freight consolidators. This has covered
the completion and submission of manifests and XML files for electronic manifests.
The program aims to clear goods in about 2-hours from the current 3-days.
But
is the port ready? With almost no equipment, [the port currently owns 3 forklifts
capable of lifting 3tonnes] Freetown port hires equipment operated
by private companies. The levels of which, are inadequate and frequently
break down drastically impacting the turnaround time. [Van 05/08/09]
SLPA Management Inspect Port Facilities - 09/06/09
A high profile delegation from the Sierra Leone Ports Authority [SLPA] has
visited the port facilities at Targrin
[Kissy] and Mahera at Lungi and the Cape Lighthouse at Aberdeen in Freetown.
The objective of the
inspection is to prepare the authority for the port privatization process with
the World Bank. It was observed
that most of the facilities are dilapidated and are on the brink of collapse.
[Awoko 09/06/09]
Inauguration of the Jendema Integrated Border Control
Post - 29/04/09
The Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Development Programme
[UNDP] have inaugurated the Jendema Integrated Border Control Post. The post
was constructed with Japenese funds under the Border Strengthening programme.
The crossing post has been rated as Class A post with customs, immigration,
port health and phytosanitary units located in the building. A similar control
post is under construction in Koindukura in the Koinadugu district. [Cocorioko
29/04/09]
Sierra Leone To Introduce ASYCUDA++ System For Electronic
Manifests - 02/04/09
According to the National Revenue Authority [NRA], the Automated SYstem
for CUstoms DAta [ASYCUDA] / SYstème DOuaNIer Automatisé [SYDONIA]
is to be introduced into Sierra Leone for electronic submission of manifests.The
NRA technical team are currently running tests on the system using sample manifests
in XML format from all shipping lines to ensure each conforms
with
their requirements. All co-ordination will be handled by the ‘ASYCUDA
Technical Team’.
Contact details are asytechsupport@gmail.com / kossami@gmail.com
Lungi Port Loko Road Upgrading Project - 19/03/09
Sierra Leone has applied for a grant from the African Development Fund [ADF]
to finance the construction of the 62-km Lungi-Port Loko Road Upgrading Project.
The principal objectives of this project are to connect Lungi with Port Loko
and Freetown city. [AT 19/03/09]
Sierra Leone - Clashes - 19/03/09
Rival political parties have been embroiled in violent clashes over the weekend
in the capital Freetown with armed police sealing off the area of central
Freetown on Saturday .
Violence also occurred in other parts of the country last week.
Tension has flared up between supporters of his All People's Congress (APC)
and the main opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
Sierra Leone's President Ernest Koroma yesterday warned of a
crackdown in a speech broadcast nationwide: "Anyone who perpetrates acts of violence
and lawlessness in any part of the country regardless of political affiliation
will be apprehended and face the full force of law."
The violence of the last days has raised fears among many residents
and analyists that the nation could be plunged into chaos once more.
Note:
Instability also continues in neighbouring Guinea following a coup in December
and also Guinea Bissau's President Joao Bernado "Nino" Vieira was
killed in a coup on 02/03/09.
Sierra Leone is recovering from 1991-2002 civil war.
Traders Protest High Duty Rates - 27/01/09
Sierra Leonean traders closed shops on 26/01/09 in Freetown to protest against
exorbitant custom duties
charged by the National Revenue Authority [NRA] at entry ports. Alpha Tanu
Jalloh, the president of the
Sierra Leone Importers Association said that the association met over the weekend
to discuss issues
bordering on the high custom duties levied on them by the government for the
clearing of goods. He said that
at a meeting held in October last year with the Ministry of Trade and Industry,
the association suggested that
the government review the custom duty rate in the country. This he noted was
in realisation of the fact that
custom duties are by far higher in Sierra Leone than in Liberia and Guinea,
a situation he said is not
conducive or encouraging for business in the country. [AT 27/01/09]
African Minerals To Build Railway In Northern Sierra
Leone - 22/01/09
African Minerals is putting final touches for the construction of a railway
in the Port Loko District of Sierra
Leone. Already, the company has signed a contract with the Port Loko District
Council for the sale and
procurement of scrap metal in a bid to clear the area for the successful
implementation of the railway
construction project scheduled to commence soon. [AT 22/01/09]
Sierra Leone Lifts Ban On Rubber Exports - 08/01/09
According to reports in the Awareness Times, Sierra Leone’s permanent
secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Augustine
Sheku has
revealed that the government has lifted the ban on the export and processing
of rubber with immediate effect. [AT 08/01/09]
Chamber Of Commerce Raises Concern Over NPA And Customs
Tariff - December 2008
The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture [COCSL - www.cocsl.com]
has raised
concern over the recent 50% National Power Authority [NPA] tariff increase
effect on the port of Freetown
and lack of equipments at the quay. The President of the Chamber, Henry Akie
Macauley stressed that
shipping charges are high compared to neighboring countries; lack of equipments
at the Quay is evident
[only one fork lift] and ships stay longer than is necessary. Importers, he
said, have to pay demurrages which
eventually lead to extra charges being levied on goods. Scanning fees of US$50
for a 20ft container and
US$100 for a 40ft container were abolished few months ago, but this was short
lived, he stated.
Macauley maintained that a fee of US$217 for 20ft container
and US$240 for a 40ft container has been
replaced by a new port additional invoice fee. The Chamber, he said, is requesting
Government to reconsider
these exorbitant fees, which are contributing to the high cost of imported
items particularly foodstuff. [Awoko]
European Union Provides Funds For Freetown To Conakry
Highway - 10/12/08
European Commission representative in Sierra Leone Ambassador Hans Allden
has disclosed that the
European Union has committed funds for the reconstruction of the Freetown-Conakry
Highway spanning
from Rogbere in Sierra Leone to Farmoreah in Guinea. [AT 10/12/08]
Sierra Leone Ports Tariff - 24/11/08
For the latest port tariffs from SLPA please click
here. Applicable from 01/12/08.
Kondo Water Wharf Freetown - October 2008
President Ernest Bai Koroma has launched works for construction of fish-landing
facilities at the Kondo
Water Wharf in Goderich, Freetown. The 7.6 billion-leone project is sponsored
by the African-
Development-Bank [ADB], designed by IDEAS Ltd and will be constructed by the
NIMO Construction
Company. Facilities will include, a 35m jetty; a fish-smoking hall; an ice-making
plant; a 25 KVA standby
generator; underground diesel and petrol tanks; a fish-processing hall and
a 2.5km road that would join the
facilities to the peninsular road.
Sierra Leone To Improve On Road Network - 09/08/08
According to Sierra Leone Roads Authority [SLRA] the World Bank and the Islamic
Development Bank have provided
funds to reconstruct the Kenema, Kailahun and Koidu roads, which represent
about 3,000-km of paved surface. The
work is expected to start this October, though the procurement process is still
ongoing. Contracts for the Bo-Kenema
road and Makeni-Matotoka road have been awarded to a Chinese construction company,
Chinese Seventh Railway
Construction Company, with completion expected within 24 months. [CT 09/08/09]
African Minerals To Spend US$300m On Transport - 23/06/08
African Minerals Ltd [formerly known as Sierra Leone Diamond Company Ltd] will
invest more than US$300 million to develop a deep-water port and reinvigorate
Sierra Leone's railway over the next two years. The development due to start
next month, includes upgrading the defunct narrow gauge railway to standard
gauge, will link the company's two iron ore mines in the north of the country
to the deep-water port at Pepel, 180 km [112 miles] away. The railway, abandoned
in the 1970s, is expected to be finished within 18 to 22 months, depending
on the supply of steel from countries like India, China,
Ukraine and Romania. [RT 23/06/08]
Roads Rehabilitation - 19/06/08
The Board of Directors of the World Bank approved an additional grant of
US$5.1 million and credit of US$5.9 million to Sierra Leone through the
ongoing
Sierra Leone Infrastructure Development Project. The additional funding
finances a cost over-run on the primary roads rehabilitation and would
enable the
project to meet its targets of rehabilitating selected priority roads,
port and airport facilities in Sierra Leone. The road component of the project
includes rehabilitation of the Bo-Kenema and Makeni-Matotoka roads and
rural roads in selected districts. Institutional
reforms focus on restructuring of Sierra Leone Roads Authority, including
the creation of a separate Road Maintenance Fund [RMF]. Beneficiaries of the
ports
and airports components of the project are the Sierra Leone Port Authority
[sea port] and the Sierra Leone Airport Authority. [WB 19/06/08]
National Coordinating Committee on Trade Inaugurated-
29/05/08
The Sierra Leone government has formerly launched the National Coordinating
Committee on Trade on
26/05/08. ECOWAS Commissioner of Trade, Mohamed Daramy has said the objective
of the committee is to
build strong relationship amongst ECOWAS member states to promote regional
trade and should analyze
trade policies and trade negotiation strategies. The Chairman of the Committee
is Hon. Musa Tamba Sam.
[AT 29/05/08]
National Revenue Authority (Customs & Excise Department
CED): Public Notices- 08/05/08
We have received the following public notices for your reference:
(CED 04/2008) Proof of Contact
The General Public is hereby informed that with immediate effect, all importers
applying for a Customs
Identification Number (CIN) must show Proof of contact i.e. address and telephone
number. In addition, a
staff member of the Preventive Services and Special Duties (PSSD) unit shall
be required to verify the
authenticity of all such addresses. In the same vein, all existing holders
of a CIN are requested to show proof
of contact for their businesses.Finally, it is now mandatory that correct importer
address and telephone number as well as e-mail address
and fax number if available be indicated on Bill of Entries in order to avoid
undue delays in the
documentation process. Your co-operation is therefore required in this direction.
(CED
03/2008) Pre-shipment/Destination Inspection
The public is hereby informed that all commercial imports of freight on board
(FOB) value US$2,000
(irrespective of whether the importer is resident in Sierra Leone or overseas)
should apply to Intertek
international for an inspection to be conducted on his/her consignment (either
in the exporting country or in
the country of destination i.e. Sierra Leone) before the consignment is loaded
on board any vessel/aircraft for
Sierra Leone. Failure to comply with the above is subject to a 30% penalty
calculated on the cost, insurance
and freight (CIF) value of the consignment. By order of the commissioner general.
(CED 05/2008) Clearance on Permit
The General Public is hereby informed that the issuance of dutiable permit
will be exclusively restricted to the
following bulk cargo: Rice Flour and Sugar.
We wish to maintain further, that such permit is only granted when following
conditions have been fully met:
· Payment of 50% deposit of assessed Customs duties.
· Provision of a bank guarantee to secure outstanding balance in the event
that importer falls short of his/her
obligation.
· Balance of duty should be paid on equal instalments within three (3)
months, following date of issuance of
the permit.
Please be informed that the list of the above bulk cargos and
the conditions for the issuance of permit will be
reviewed from time to time. This notice is effective 13th May, 2008 By order
of the Commissioner General
African Minerals Takes Over Pepel Railway Project-
07/05/08
African Minerals Ltd has confirmed the signing of a MOU with the Government
of Sierra Leone for the
construction and management of a railway extension between
the Pepel port and Marampa to the company's iron ore project
at Tonkolili.
African Minerals are to undertake an engineering study to
upgrade the deep water port at Pepel, assuming a handling
capacity of up to 25 million tonnes per year to meet import
and export requirements. African Minerals are to engage
engineering consultants to complete a study examining the feasibility of upgrading
the existing railway
between the Port and Marampa to standard gauge. [CT 07/05/08]
Sierra Leone Port Authority To Be Privatised Soon-
01/05/08
Industry players have been requested to assist the National
Commission For Privatization [NCP] in its public sector reform
and privatization drive.
In 2001, Government restarted the
divestiture process by approving the
Strategic Plan for the Divestiture of
State Enterprises and establishing the
National Commission For Privatisation
[NCP] to implement its policy. The
NCP acts as the prudent shareholder
of state enterprises with a mandate to
privatise them.
The government in collaboration with the World Bank have
contracted Canadian consultancy firm CPCS Transcom to
provide services to assist in the reform and privatization of
SLPA in terms of the landlord port concept and how it would be
implemented. Once finalised the report will be presented to
Parliament.
The action plan includes:
realizing the Government of Sierra Leone's policy for the conversion of the
SLPA to a “Landlord” port
drafting and processing the concessions and or licenses of SLPA’s core
activities as defined in the
outline Action Plan
assisting in the privatizing of SLPA’s non-core activities, through
the sale of assets or contracting
out the management and operation
identification of detailed SLPA retrenchment entitlements and arrangements,
equitable to all parties
effected, compatible with World Bank guidelines for possible funding by external
donors
recommending new casual labor arrangements for the Landlord port
redefinition of the technical and economical regulatory mechanisms of
SLPA.
According to newly appointed NCP Chairman, Abu Bangura “It
is envisaged that the land lord port concept
would include private sector involvement in the operations of the container
terminal, cargo handling
associated with break-bulk and dry bulk cargoes, management and operations
in the non-core activities such
as the Marine Slipway and Shipyard facilities etc.”
Railway Operations to Recommence Soon-
27/03/08
A Sierra Leonean based in Germany, Ebenezer Owen Mason, has disclosed plans to
revamp the country's railway service. Rail services ceased in the 1970s, however
a consortium of German investors is interested in rejuvenating the industry if
they can obtain support from the APC government. Mason has identified potential
partners in Germany who will help raise funds and supply rolling stock including
diesel motive
power. [CT 27/03/08]
Intertek Scanning Fees Freetown - 11/03/08 Please click
here for the official letter from the Sierra Leone
Maritime Administration (SLMA ) with regard to the new procedure for the collection
of scanning fees for containerised cargo.
Please note that this is applicable for all imports effective 01/05/08.
Intertek Scanning Fees- 01/03/08
Please find below instruction from the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
[SLMA] with regard to the new
procedure for the collection of scanning fees for containerised cargo. Please
note that this is applicable for all
imports effective 01/05/08.
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
Ref: SLMA/83
Collection of Scanning Fees: Queen Elizabeth II Quay
Shipping companies are still charged with the responsibility of collecting
scanning fees in respect of all containers
coming into and leaving the Freetown Port.
We however wish to make the following changes in the collection of scanning
fees as follows:
That with effect from 01/05/08, shipping companies will now charge the under
mentioned fees in respect of
scanning of containers at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay: Import $120 for 20’ /
$240 for 40’
Shipping companies should collect these fees via their overseas offices and
remit those fees to the existing
Intertek/Sierra Leone Maritime Administration account within 30 days from the
date of the Sierra Leone
Maritime Administration’s monthly invoice.
With effect from the prescribed date, these charges should not be charged
to consignees
Export charges: $50 for 20’ / $100 for 40’
Signed Philip S J Lukuley
NRA Chief Intervenes Stops Go-Slow At Customs-
01/03/08
Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority [NRA], Allieu Sesay
has defused a go-slow action by
clearing and forwarding agencies that clear goods for importers with the Customs
and Excise Department. The NRA
boss met industry leaders listening to their 6-point resolution, and resolving
them as the clearing agencies returned
to work. Complaints and solutions were listed as follows:
That the Anti-Smuggling Unit in the Customs Department
[PSSD] often causes unnecessarily delays in the
clearing of goods by stopping and re-checking containers that would have
been cleared by the regular
Customs. All stakeholders agreed that henceforth the PSSD will only perform
30% examination of containers
in the port and may perform l00% examination of containers if deemed to
be suspicious.
That recently reform procedures in the LONG ROOM of the NRA meant that
agents were asked not to be in the
LONG ROOM whilst their clients documents were being processed by Customs.
Stakeholders have agreed
henceforth that five agents can be in the LONG ROOM at any given time.
Clearing agents alleged that Customs officers have their own clearing
and forwarding agencies and have been
taking business away from them. The Commissioner-General asked for definitive
evidence, and according to
the Code of Conduct of the Authority, speedy action will be taken against
any NRA official found wanting.
Customs officers were not respectful to clearing agents, the Commissioner-General
promised regular meetings
with the agents to iron out their differences and to work out modalities
for their mutual benefit.
The Commissioner-General revealed that the Public Affairs and Tax Education
Department in the NRA will
soon be revived to ensure that timely and accurate information is disseminated
to stakeholders.
New President New Chapter: Transport- 07/12/07
Companies are waiting for details of the new government's mining strategy,
expected to be unveiled early next year, following presidential elections
in September. However if recent news coverage is anything to go by potential
moves to impose more strenuous conditions, including higher tax and development
of the countries infrastructure will be high on the agenda.
According to the Minister for Mines, Alhaji Abubakarr Jalloh, foreign mining
companies must build new roads, railways and ports in Sierra Leone which will
benefit the country's poor if they want to extract its precious minerals. “We
want companies to come together and create a plan for a massive harbour that
will have the capacity to take big ships and to have a railway system and a
future network." [Reuters 07/12/07]
Vessel Submission: Fines For Late Delivery - 20/11/07 Sierra Leone Bans Exports Of Mineral Samples
Sierra Leone has banned exports of mineral samples effect from 20/11/07 in
a bid to stop valuable diamonds, gold and other commodities being illegally
shipped out of the country. President Ernest Bai Koroma pledged to stamp
out corruption stating samples were being exported with insufficient controls.
Many mining companies export samples of earth and rock for analysis to determine
mineral content.
Scrap Metal Exports Suspended- 29/10/07
The government has suspended all exportation of scrap metals till further notice.
This comes as the President tries to restore the electricity supply in the
country as many cables have been stolen and exported as scrap. [29/10/07]
Port Equipment Fails- 29/10/07
Freetown port is still suffering from little and inadequate equipment to meet
day-to-day demands leading to the slow movement of containers. The port recently
came to a complete stand still when the only forklift broke down due to the
fuel being mixed with water. As a result, there was no container moves for
48hrs. [29/10/07]
MoU Signed For The Lease Of Railway And Pepel Port Facilities
In Sierra Leone- 03/09/07
London Mining Plc [www.londonmining.co.uk] has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding
[MoU] with the Government of Sierra Leone in respect of the proposed lease
of the railway line from the Marampa mine to the port as well as the port and
its facilities. The Marampa iron ore mine is located about 80km of Freetown.
London Mining has held a mining license at Marampa since September 2006. London
Mining has requested the use of the Marampa-Pepel Railway Line and Pepel Port
and facilities from the Sierra Leone Government in order to be able to transport
the iron ore that will be produced from Marampa mine to the Pepel terminal
for shipment abroad.
Large parts of the existing railway between the Marampa mine site and Pepel
port have been damaged or removed and the Pepel port facility will also need
to be repaired before it is fully functional. The Sierra Leone Government has
agreed to establish an asset holding company to oversee the fixed rail and
port facilities and will grant exclusive access to London Mining to the fixed
rail and port facilities for a minimum of three million tonnes per annum. London
Mining has agreed to fund the costs of these repairs and has also agreed to
undertake and fund a feasibility study to determine whether the facilities,
with modification, can accept multiple users in the future [at the expense
of future users].
The Government of Sierra Leone transferred the moveable railway assets and
port facilities at Pepel to London Mining on the 01/09/07 to include locomotives,
rolling stock, scrap metal and approximately 60,000t of iron ore fines concentrates
at Pepel. [ACN Newswire 03/09/07]
Personal Effects & Groupage Shipments - 25/05/07
As from 22nd May 2007 all importers and agents clearing personal effects, groupage
and motor vehicles will need to follow a new NRA directive. Please click
here to view the complete document.
Railway Plan On Track- 23/04/07
President Kabbah has placed rail development top of his agenda in the latest
ten year Transport Sector Development Plan. Rail transportation was introduced
into Sierra Leone in 1898 during colonial rule but was phased out in 1975
as unprofitable.
The Plan presented at a Development Partnership Committee [DEPAC] meeting other
specific areas to be focused on and funded by the donor community are:
Airports
Port - which is to be a landlord port and transhipment centre
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
Road Transport Authority - improvement of main road and minor roads.
[TI 23/04/07]
Government Bans Timber, Granite Stones Exportation -
08/05/07
A press release from the Office of the President states the government has
placed a ban on the illegal exploitation and export of timber, dimension
stones and granite from the country. “The attention of Government has
been drawn to the illegal exploitation and export of timber, dimension stones
and granite from the country. It is obvious that the deforestation in the
Freetown peninsula is destroying the catchment areas, which could eventually
lead to a severe shortage of water, whilst the uncontrolled removal of granite
from the hills surrounding populated areas could expose settlements at the
bottom of the hills to severe land slides in the future. As these activities
are destructive to the environment and bring only minimal benefits to the
state, Government has decided to stop the exploitation and export of these
two commodities with immediate effect,” the release stated.
The release noted that, the Government is taking steps to put in place adequate
measures “Until such measures are put in place however, no persons or
companies would be allowed to engage in these activities. The police and custom
officers have been directed to take appropriate action.” [08/05/07]
Improving The Business Environment For Investment -
04/04/07
According to the World Bank “Doing Business” Report, Sierra Leone
is one of the most expensive countries in the world to start a business. The
cost of registering a company in Sierra Leone is comparatively high. There
are many reasons for this including long business registration processes, legal
costs and the tax system. This situation is an obstacle to the growth of the
Sierra Leone economy. Hence the Government has taken the policy decision to
create a business friendly environment which will encourage job and wealth
creation.
The Government of Sierra Leone is currently working on a programme designed
to remove ‘Administrative Barriers to Investment’. This is a joint
programme with DFID and the Foreign Investment Advisory service (part of The
World Bank). The aim of the programme is to improve the business climate in
Sierra Leone which is important both to local and foreign businesses. The following
are some important changes that have already been approved by Government and
will soon be reflected as amendments in existing legislations:
Simplification and streamlining of the company registration process
Eliminating exchange control permission as a company registration requirement
The removal of the mandatory requirement to engage a solicitor for the preparation
of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) for the registration
of a company
New and simplified rules merging work and residence permits
Abolishing the need for an annual Business License obtained from the
Registrar General
Elimination of payment of advance tax as precondition for registering
a business
This is the first of a series of measures which are being introduced to encourage
the private sector. Other recent measures include the restructuring of the
investment and export promotion agency, SLEDIC which has now been submitted
to Parliament for consideration. [STP 04/04/07]
Sierra Leone In US$105m Road-Building Deal - 29/01/07
According to Development Secretary Kona Koroma, Sierra Leone's government has
signed a deal worth US$105 million with Arab partners to rebuild a key road
linking the agricultural eastern Kenema and Kailahun districts. Participants
include the Kuwaiti and Saudi Funds for Development, the Arab Bank for Reconstruction
and Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund, whose representatives
approved feasibility and engineering studies at a meeting in Freetown. Sierra
Leone's government will be contributing US$2.5 million.
Freetown has also asked
the Kuwaiti Fund for Consultancy Services to submit a list of contractors
who have had experience in Africa to the
state-run Sierra Leone Roads Authority for consideration. Work on rehabilitating
the road is due to start in December and be finished by 2010. [29/01/07
visitsierraleone]
SLMA To Amend Merchant Shipping Act - 24/01/07
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration [SLMA] has taken the onus to amend the
Merchant Shipping Act, the Licensing and Regulation of Shipping Agents in
the country. The Executive Director of the Administration, Philip S J Lukuley
noted that ship owners and operators, are represented in different countries
by ship agents in carrying out their responsibilities. The shipping industry
which has ship agents as key players need to be regulated to make the trade
very viable and the movement of ships safe.
“Because of the sensitive and important role played by the shipping agents,
the Government through the Ministry of Transport and Communications has deemed
it extremely necessary that no person shall operate as a shipping agent unless
that person holds a shipping agent license issued by the Sierra Leone Maritime
Administration”
Government has decided to introduce legislation to govern
the activities of Shipping Agents, and actively seeks to control the charges
levied by Shipping
Agents which will have serious repercussions if allowed to go through. Needless
to say the agencies have strongly objected and discussions are ongoing. [OTAL
Agent 24/01/07]
