MONROVIA: The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has signed the issuance of a Marine Notice for the implementation of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention).
The Pact is intended for the smooth operations of vessels anchoring at the Freeport of Monrovia without delay. The Marine Notice is mainly to provide guidance on implementing the requirements of the FAL Convention (as amended) to prevent unnecessary delays in Maritime traffic and aid government agencies in conducting uniformity formalities and procedures.
The ceremony which was held at LiMA Head Office in Congo Town brought together officials from the National Port Authority, APM Terminals, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia Revenue Authority, Boarding Party, and the Shipping Agencies Association among others.
The Facilitation Convention was adopted on April 9, 1965, and entered into action on March 5, 1967. The objective of the FAL Convention is to prevent unnecessary delays in maritime traffic.
Speaking at the signing of the Convention at the Liberia Maritime Authority newly built Head Office on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Maritime Commissioner Lenn Eugene Nagbe, told the gathering that the new regime will enhance economic growth as it will reduce the turn-around time for vessels sailing on Liberian ports.
Commissioner Nagbe said the signing of the Convention will also enhance in the reduction of commodities on the local market.
“This will bolster the economy and so this signing is in the right direction for our country. We are working together as a government to address some repairable problems,” the Maritime boss added.
The LiMA boss disclosed that plans are underway to make the Freeport of Monrovia a 24-hour port, stressing that a lot of mechanisms are being put into place including the dredging of the port and replacement of navigation equipment that will make the port more effective and efficient.
“The more we delay the ships at our ports; it will negatively impact our country. It will impact the prices of the cube, petroleum products, and many more. Liberia is losing millions because we are not a 24-hour port. The document we are signing today is not an empty paper. We are working to make a change and we can change when we work together as a government and people,” added Nagbe.
The Convention was signed in the presence of port operators, who are to provide daily ship schedules to enable members of the boarding party to prepare for boarding party inspection.
Also speaking was APM Terminal Liberia boss, Jonathan Graham who lauded the efforts of the Liberian government a massive steps taken to modernize the NPA.
LRA Commissioner-General, Mr. Thomas Doe-Nah, said the signing of the agreement means Liberia is on the right path to development.
In a brief remark, National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Bill Twehway, said that the issuance of the Notice is an outcome of concerted efforts by relevant arms of government with the singular interest of the nation.
