APM Terminals Liberia, operator of the Freeport of Monrovia, has acknowledged the pressure of current port congestion and shipping delays on importers, businesses, and consumers. To address this, the company is implementing measures to increase terminal capacity and improve container movement. Rachid Baho, Managing Director, stated that their immediate focus is on improving areas within their responsibility, particularly terminal capacity and container movement.
APM Terminals Liberia has taken concrete measures to free up space, including transferring hundreds of longstanding import containers to another area of the port, removing buildings to convert space into container stacking areas, and developing unpaved yard space. These efforts are expected to have an impact within a week, with additional capacity to be delivered in the coming months. However, Baho emphasized that long-term solutions require collaborative action from all stakeholders.
Liberia's container trade has grown significantly, with volumes approaching 200,000 TEU annually, representing a 30% growth in two years. APM Terminals Liberia has invested $15 million in new container equipment, including reach stackers and other handling equipment. However, growth must be accompanied by a full ecosystem that can handle the increased volumes to avoid supply chain constraints.
The National Port Authority has acknowledged the increasing pressure on the Freeport and announced plans for dredging and further expansion of the port's capacity. APM Terminals Liberia believes that improving container movement out of the terminal after discharge is critical to restoring sustainable cargo flow. The company estimates that at least 250 import containers need to leave the terminal daily to maintain a sustainable flow, but only about 170 containers are delivered daily.
The current dwell time has increased from 7-8 days in 2025 to 15-16 days in 2026, effectively reducing the storage capacity in the Freeport of Monrovia by almost 50%. Addressing all touchpoints in the container handling process, including vessel scheduling, terminal handling, customs, and inspection, is crucial for future cargo flow. APM Terminals Liberia will continue working with the Government of Liberia, the National Port Authority, and other port community members to address the immediate situation.
Liberia's containerized cargo often connects through major West African transshipment hubs, which experience similar pressure and waiting times for vessels. Congestion at these hubs can lead to missed connections, cargo accumulation, and disruptions to vessel schedules before cargo reaches Liberia. APM Terminals is working with shipping lines to mitigate this issue and has confirmed a new direct service with A. P. Moller – Maersk to minimize transshipment delays.
APM Terminals Liberia is increasing capacity within the terminal, with measures including creating additional container stacking capacity, developing yard space, and adding equipment such as a third Mobile Harbour Crane and three Reach Stackers. These efforts aim to provide additional operating space and equipment capacity as Liberia's container volumes continue to grow, ensuring that the port can handle increasing trade volumes efficiently.
Key points
- APM Terminals Liberia partners with National Port Authority to ease congestion at Freeport of Monrovia.
- The company invests $15 million in new container equipment to handle growing trade volumes.
- APM Terminals Liberia aims to improve cargo clearance and reduce shipping delays through joint action with port stakeholders.
