LE HAVRE, FRANCE/MONROVIA – The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia and France’s HAROPA PORT have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in port modernization, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and sustainable maritime operations.
The agreement, signed Tuesday in the historic port city of Le Havre, marks a significant step in Liberia’s efforts to modernize its maritime sector and deepen economic ties with Europe. The partnership aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s infrastructure development agenda and reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement by Liberia’s Embassy in France, headed by Ambassador Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay Sr.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for collaboration in five key areas: smart port technologies and digitalization, automated terminal operations, infrastructure rehabilitation, technical capacity building, and environmentally sustainable maritime development. It also provides for regular consultations and the development of future joint initiatives.
The National Port Authority, which manages Liberia’s four commercial seaports in Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville, is pursuing reforms to improve operational efficiency, expand port infrastructure, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional maritime and trade hub.
HAROPA PORT, France’s largest river and maritime port complex, links the ports of Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris. Ranked as Northern Europe’s fourth-largest port system, it connects to nearly 650 ports around the world and is recognized for its expertise in logistics, innovation, and port management.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly described the agreement as more than a ceremonial document, saying it reflects a shared commitment to building modern, efficient, and sustainable ports through mutual trust, knowledge-sharing, and long-term cooperation.
He expressed appreciation to President Boakai and the Government of Liberia for their continued support of the country’s port modernization agenda. Dukuly also thanked HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center, and Liberia’s Embassy in France for their contributions to making the agreement possible.
Ambassador Yorlay hailed the signing as another milestone in Liberia-France relations, noting that the partnership will provide Liberia with access to world-class maritime expertise while creating new opportunities for investment, trade, and technical cooperation.
Representing HAROPA PORT, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight, Cédric Vircigilio, said collaboration and the exchange of expertise are essential to developing the ports of the future. He added that the agreement lays the foundation for stronger Africa-Europe maritime cooperation and enhanced trade connectivity.
The Liberian delegation to the signing ceremony included Atty. Abigail T. Gbessagee, Senior Program Director in the Office of the Managing Director; Jusu Kamara, Senior Director for Public Relations; Mohammed Dolleh, Senior Director for Property and Environmental Affairs; and Vivian Ruby Lai, Director for Reporting and Reconciliation.
