The Liberian maritime sector has reached a significant milestone with the certification of Captain Sam Jabbah and Captain William Adolphus Lassanah as the nation’s first locally trained Marine Pilot and Tug Master, respectively. This achievement is the culmination of a collaborative effort between APM-Terminals Liberia and Svitzer, two prominent maritime companies, under a “Liberianization” program designed to cultivate local talent and enhance the nation’s maritime capabilities. The program aims to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified Liberian professionals to fill critical roles within the industry, reducing the country’s historical reliance on foreign expertise in these areas. The formal presentation of the two captains took place at both the National Port Authority (NPA) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), signifying the importance of this development for the country’s maritime future.
The roles of Marine Pilot and Tug Master are pivotal to safe and efficient port operations. Marine Pilots possess intricate knowledge of local waterways, including tides, currents, and hazards, enabling them to safely navigate incoming vessels into port. Tug Masters, on the other hand, operate the powerful tugboats essential for maneuvering larger ships, particularly in confined or challenging port environments. Together, these professionals ensure the smooth flow of maritime traffic and contribute significantly to national trade security. The certification of these two Liberian captains signifies a significant step towards self-sufficiency in these vital roles.
The “Liberianization” program represents a substantial investment in human capital development within the maritime sector. APM Terminals Liberia and Svitzer have spearheaded this initiative, providing comprehensive training and international certification opportunities for Liberians aspiring to careers as marine professionals. This commitment extends beyond Captains Jabbah and Lassanah, with several other Liberian candidates currently undergoing training to become engineers, pilots, and tug masters. This ongoing effort underscores the long-term vision of the program to build a robust pool of qualified professionals capable of leading the Liberian maritime industry into the future.
The certification of the two captains has been met with widespread acclaim and recognized as a moment of national pride. Etienne Saint-Jean, Head of Operations at APM Terminals Liberia, hailed the achievement as a significant stride towards closing a long-standing skills gap in the country’s marine services. He emphasized the program’s broader impact, highlighting the pipeline of future Liberian marine professionals currently in training. APM Terminals Liberia Managing Director, Jan Buijze, described the event as historic, commending the dedication and success of Captains Jabbah and Lassanah as an inspiration for aspiring young Liberians, particularly women, considering maritime careers. Svitzer Country Manager, Captain Ahmad Hamdy, praised the rigorous training regime and the resilience demonstrated by the two captains throughout the process.
The Liberian government has expressed strong support for the “Liberianization” program, recognizing its alignment with national development objectives. National Port Authority Managing Director, Sekou A.M. Dukuly, commended APM Terminals and Svitzer for their investment in Liberian talent, emphasizing the initiative’s contribution to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of economic self-reliance and global competitiveness. Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner, Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., underscored the strategic importance of developing local maritime expertise, particularly in light of increasing port activity and the consequent demand for qualified professionals. He welcomed the news of additional Liberians undergoing training, emphasizing the need for continued investment in human capital to elevate the Liberian maritime sector.
The stories of Captains Jabbah and Lassanah symbolize a transformative moment for the Liberian maritime sector. Their success not only marks a personal achievement but also represents the potential for future generations of Liberian marine professionals. The investment in training, certification, and international exposure provided by APM Terminals Liberia and Svitzer has laid a solid foundation for the development of a highly skilled and capable workforce. The program’s commitment to continuous expansion signifies a long-term vision to ensure Liberia possesses the necessary talent to manage and lead its marine operations independently, further solidifying its position within the global maritime landscape. The initiative is poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth and self-sufficiency in a strategically important sector.
