The National Port Authority (NPA) has signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a significant move to enhance health and safety standards for port users and citizens nationwide.
The MoU establishes a coordinated national oil spill response effort, involving key players in the maritime and petroleum sectors.
The agreement, signed in partnership with the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), the Maritime Authority, and several private industrial and mining companies, will ensure a structured and swift response to any potential oil spills across Liberia’s port areas.
The MoU sets an initial term of one year with provisions for mutual extension or modification, which signifies a major step forward in bolstering environmental safety measures within the nation’s ports.
The NPA, as the central authority for managing Liberia’s port facilities, will act as the lead agency in coordinating these efforts.
Under the Act Repealing and Adopting Chapter Six (6) of the Public Authority Law, the NPA holds the exclusive authority to manage all national port facilities, underscoring its role as a central figure in this new oil spill response framework.
Representing the private sector, the companies involved affirmed their commitment to contributing to Liberia’s oil spill preparedness, waiving any immunity concerning matters related to the MoU and liability issues.
The ceremony, held in the NPA’s headquarters, brought together numerous stakeholders, including Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), Srimex, Equatorial Palm Oil, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), Bea Mountain, Western Cluster, Mira Gas, the Society for the Conservation of Nature, APM Terminals, Conex, LPRC, and the Ministry of Defense’s Coast Guard.
The MoU outlines a structure for sharing technical expertise, personnel, and equipment, aiming to significantly enhance Liberia’s collective capabilities to address incidental and operational spills.
It also encourages collaboration with environmental organizations to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate oil spills and hazardous liquid substances within port areas.
In his remarks, NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly expressed his appreciation to the parties for their commitment to this initiative, describing the MoU as a pivotal step in ensuring the health and safety of Liberia’s coastal regions.
“With this MoU, the NPA will provide the necessary port facilities and infrastructure to support oil spill response efforts,” Dukuly stated. “We will ensure that all legal and regulatory frameworks are in place to support incident response by creating a comprehensive management structure for the oil spill pollution fund.”
Representing the private sector, LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh emphasized the sector’s dedication to upholding the MoU, which he termed a “game-changer” for health and safety measures in Liberia’s port facilities.
“The private sector will engage fully in preparedness activities, including training and simulations, and provide the resources, expertise, and equipment necessary for an effective oil spill response,” said Tweh.
“We will also work closely with the NPA and other authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards, protecting our shorelines and maritime resources.”
This historic MoU represents Liberia’s commitment to environmental stewardship, safeguarding its maritime resources, and fostering greater resilience against oil-related incidents.
