Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has received high praise from the U.S. Coast Guard following a routine inspection at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.
The assessment, conducted under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, highlighted notable improvements in safety and security standards at the country’s main port.
During the visit, the Coast Guard team reviewed the port’s security framework, including vehicle, pedestrian, and truck access control, perimeter fencing, CCTV monitoring, and coordination with international vessels.
Team leader Scott Wollard expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying: “The Authority has made impressive strides in enhancing its safety and security systems. We encourage the management of SLPHA to maintain and further strengthen these gains.”
Welcoming the delegation, Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General of SLPHA, outlined recent reforms, including structural upgrades, berth expansion, advanced surveillance systems, and improvements in operational efficiency. “Our efforts are positioning Sierra Leone as a reliable and secure maritime hub,” Bio said. “The growing trust from global partners is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our team.”
The U.S. Coast Guard also visited other key maritime facilities, including the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Petro Jetty, Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal, and African Global Logistics, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with international maritime safety and security standards.
”The Authority has made impressive strides in enhancing its safety and security systems,” Wollard said. ”We encourage the management of SLPHA to maintain and further strengthen these gains.”
Welcoming the delegation, Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General of SLPHA, outlined a series of transformational reforms undertaken at the port. He highlighted advancements in structural development, berth expansion, security surveillance systems, and overall operational efficiency.
Bio noted that these reforms have boosted the confidence of international shipping companies, attracting larger vessels and more frequent maritime traffic to Sierra Leone.
”Our efforts are positioning Sierra Leone as a reliable and secure maritime hub,” he said. ”The growing trust from global partners is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our team.”
The commendation marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, reinforcing the country’s commitment to global best practices in port management and security.
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