NPA, France’s HAROPA PORT Seal MoU to Modernize Liberian Seaports | Business

The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s HAROPA PORT, paving the way for a strategic partnership aimed at modernizing Liberia’s four commercial seaports through advanced technology, infrastructure development, and technical cooperation.

The agreement, signed in the French port city of Le Havre, establishes a framework for collaboration between the two port authorities in areas including smart port technologies, digital transformation, automated terminal operations, logistics management, infrastructure rehabilitation, capacity building, and sustainable maritime development.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its maritime sector and strengthen the efficiency and competitiveness of its ports to support regional and international trade.

The signing was facilitated through the diplomatic efforts of the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in France under the leadership of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr. Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., who described the agreement as another important achievement in the growing bilateral relationship between Liberia and France.

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents another important step in strengthening the longstanding friendship and economic cooperation between Liberia and France,” Ambassador Yorlay said.

“Through this partnership, Liberia stands to benefit from world-class expertise in port management and technology while opening new avenues for investment, trade, and maritime cooperation between our two countries.”

The National Port Authority currently manages Liberia’s four seaports in Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville, all of which play a critical role in facilitating the country’s international trade.

The partnership comes as the NPA continues implementing an ambitious port modernization strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency, upgrading infrastructure, expanding cargo-handling capacity, and positioning Liberia as a competitive maritime gateway in West Africa.

NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly said the agreement goes beyond a ceremonial signing, describing it as a shared commitment to long-term institutional cooperation and sustainable growth.

According to Dukuly, the partnership will enable Liberia to benefit from international best practices, technical expertise, and innovative technologies that are essential to transforming the country’s port operations.

He emphasized that while HAROPA PORT has established itself as one of Europe’s leading port complexes, the National Port Authority is pursuing a comprehensive modernization agenda designed to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and attract greater maritime investment.

The NPA Managing Director also expressed appreciation to HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center, Ambassador Yorlay, the Embassy of Liberia in France, and all stakeholders whose collaborative efforts led to the successful conclusion of the agreement.

For his part, Cedric Virciglio, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight at HAROPA PORT, welcomed the partnership, noting that innovation and international cooperation remain essential to developing the ports of the future.

He said the agreement creates opportunities for meaningful collaboration between the two institutions while contributing to the sustainable development of maritime trade between Africa and Europe.

HAROPA PORT is France’s largest river and maritime port complex, bringing together the ports of Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris. Ranked as the fourth-largest port in Northern Europe, it maintains trade connections with nearly 650 ports worldwide and is internationally recognized for its expertise in integrated logistics, digital port operations, and sustainable maritime transport.

Although the Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding, it provides a structured framework for regular consultations, information sharing, technical exchanges, staff training, and the development of future collaborative projects between the two port authorities.

The agreement is expected to strengthen Liberia’s efforts to improve port governance, embrace smart port technologies, enhance cargo handling and logistics systems, and attract increased international investment into the country’s maritime sector.

With more than 90 percent of Liberia’s international trade moving through its seaports, the partnership is viewed as a strategic step toward building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive port system capable of supporting economic growth, expanding regional trade, and advancing the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda.