On October 18, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner visited APM Terminals Liberia at the Freeport of Monrovia, marking an important milestone in fostering international relations and understanding Liberia’s trade infrastructure. Accompanied by embassy officials including Michael Aguilera, Jonathan Hilton, and Andrew Pigler, Amb. Toner was greeted by Clay Crain, APM Terminals Liberia’s managing director, along with Sekou Dukuly, the National Port Authority’s managing director. The purpose of the visit was to gain comprehensive insights into APM Terminals’ operations, its contributions to Liberia’s economy, and the company’s modernization initiatives that bolster the Freeport’s capacity as a critical trade hub.
During the tour, Amb. Toner expressed appreciation for APM Terminals’ key role in Liberia’s economic growth, stating, “The Freeport of Monrovia is the lifeblood of Liberia’s economy, and APM Terminals provides critical support at its state-of-the-art facilities.” This endorsement comes amidst the backdrop of APM Terminals’ successful operation since its commencement in 2011 under a 25-year concession agreement with the Government of Liberia. The terminal is equipped to handle diverse cargo types and has an impressive annual capacity of approximately 200,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), which has substantially contributed to enhancing Liberia’s trade and infrastructure.
APM Terminals has demonstrated a profound commitment to infrastructural progression by investing over $170 million in upgrading facilities and training its workforce. Such investments have not only improved terminal operations but also created job opportunities, both directly within APM Terminals and indirectly through increased economic activity in the region. A significant achievement in this regard was the successful dredging of the Freeport of Monrovia in 2022, realized in collaboration with the National Port Authority of Liberia, enabling the terminal to accommodate larger vessels and bolster its operational capacity.
To further augment its capabilities, APM Terminals recently injected $15 million to acquire two Liebherr 600 model mobile harbor cranes aimed at optimizing cargo loading and unloading processes. Coupled with the earlier dredging efforts, these cranes enable the Freeport of Monrovia to accommodate larger gearless vessels, significantly enhancing port productivity and reducing logistical costs for port users. Additionally, APM Terminals offers vital marine services including pilotage, towage, and mooring operations, which are essential for ensuring the safe navigation of vessels within the port.
Understanding the impact of its operations on local communities, APM Terminals Liberia has prioritised various Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI). The company has undertaken initiatives such as health facility contributions for new mothers, establishing a Solar Kitchen for the Bright Star Orphanage, and providing scholarships tailored for local children through the APMT Liberia Scholarship Program. Such efforts reinforce APM Terminals’ commitment to not merely functioning as a business entity but also as a responsible community partner striving for sustainable development and social welfare.
A significant aspect of APM Terminals’ approach is its dedication to “Liberianization,” which aims to build local capacity in marine operations. Currently, 99% of its workforce comprises Liberians, and the company has established a training agreement with the National Port Authority to ensure that Liberians are fully equipped to take up key positions within marine services. Plans are also in place to modernize marine service assets and introduce larger tugboats, boosting the operational efficiency of the Freeport of Monrovia while addressing the increasing vessel tonnage. With a commitment to improving safety and security in the maritime sector, APM Terminals is set to provide new security and mooring boats, enhancing protective measures for vessels and reinforcing the port’s competitive stance in the region’s maritime landscape.
