Freetown Port Restores Cargo Flow After Congestion Crisis
Terminal operations in Freetown are showing key signs of recovery as joint stakeholder measures take effect and the port begins restoring fluid cargo movement across the port following a period of severe congestion.
Detailing the impact on terminal operations, Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) Operational Manager Darrel Coker described the height of the crisis as “the dark days.” He noted that the severe bottleneck posed significant operational challenges across the local supply chain.
According to Coker, space constraints and reduced cargo mobility heavily impacted terminal efficiency. To maintain customer satisfaction and handle operational demands during the strain, FTL was forced to expand its workforce by recruiting additional personnel.
Financial costs also escalated as constant cargo manoeuvring raised fuel consumption, substantially driving up operating expenses for the company.
Addressing vessel traffic, Coker stated that under standard conditions the terminal handles at least 20 vessels monthly, typically ranging between 21 and 23 vessels depending on vessel size and cargo volume, though numbers decrease during adverse conditions.
To resolve the crisis, FTL partnered closely with the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and key industry partners on targeted decongestion strategies. Coker affirmed that these collaborative efforts have successfully reduced delays and improved overall throughput across the facility.
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