SLPHA Addresses Port Congestion, Clarifies Storage Fees and Penalties

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has provided clarity on port charges and operational challenges at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, addressing misconceptions among importers, exporters, and clearing agents during the latest edition of Ports Hour.

The discussion featured SLPHA Senior Monitoring Officer, Mr. Christopher F. Y. Fallah, and Mr. Abass Savage, who explained the differences between demurrage, detention, and terminal storage charges.

The officials clarified that demurrage is a daily fee charged by shipping lines when loaded containers remain inside the port terminal beyond the agreed free period. Detention applies outside the port and is charged when empty containers are not returned within the required timeframe. Terminal storage, however, is a fee paid directly to the terminal operator for occupying port space beyond the allowed period.

They explained that while SLPHA serves as the regulatory and oversight authority for maritime operations, storage charges are calculated and applied by the terminal operator responsible for cargo handling at the quay.

The officials outlined the terminal’s three-tier storage system. Importers receive a seven-day free period to clear and remove cargo. If goods remain beyond this period, a low storage charge applies for the next 10 days. After that, cargo moves into the high storage charge category, where fees continue to accumulate daily until the goods are cleared.

SLPHA warned that delayed cargo clearance creates serious operational challenges, including yard congestion, additional container handling, vessel delays, shortage of empty containers for exporters, and increased traffic around port access routes.

The authority emphasized that the storage system is designed to discourage cargo stagnation and improve efficiency at the port. SLPHA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fair tariff application, monitoring terminal operations, and improving the cargo clearance process.

Importers, exporters, and clearing agents were urged to complete documentation and remove cargo within the seven-day free period to avoid additional storage costs and contribute to smoother port operations.