SLPHA Meets Chinese Firm Over Port Congestion
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has held high-level discussions with Chinese company Zhejiang Xiehai Group Co. Ltd. to secure investment in cargo haulage trucks aimed at drastically reducing congestion at Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
The bilateral engagement, held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, focused on finding sustainable solutions to persistent bottlenecks hindering the swift movement of goods through Freetown's primary port facility.
Speaking during the meeting, SLPHA Deputy Director-General Judith Kosseh highlighted frequent truck breakdowns as a major operational handicap, emphasizing that modern, reliable haulage vehicles are urgently needed to streamline port logistics
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, who facilitated the meeting, disclosed that the Chinese firm has already initiated vehicle procurement ahead of a formal agreement, signaling strong interest in the partnership.
While representatives from Zhejiang Xiehai Group expressed readiness to finalize the operational framework, officials confirmed that no formal investment deal has been signed yet.
This latest initiative builds on expanding maritime ties between Sierra Leone and China, following the launch of a direct shipping route from Taizhou Port to Freetown in December 2025.
As part of the visit, the Chinese delegation toured key port installations, including the Inland Container Depot at Hastings, to assess operational capacity and identify broader opportunities for technical cooperation.
If finalized, the proposed fleet expansion is expected to significantly improve cargo turnaround times and boost overall trade efficiency across the country.
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