APM Terminals has welcomed the first call of Hapag-Lloyd’s new fortnightly West Africa Service to Monrovia. The fortnightly service connects Tanger Med, Nouakchott, Freetown, Conakry, Monrovia and back to Tanger Med.

The WA1, which began mid-May, establishes Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia as new markets for the shipping line and further boosts import and export economic opportunities in the region.

Digging deep

APM Terminals Monrovia is the only container and general cargo terminal in the West African country. Recent dredging operations widened port channels and saw the removal of around one million cubic meters of sediment. As a result, the terminal’s draft has increased from 9.5 meters to 12.5 meters, allowing larger vessels to enter the Freeport.

Over recent years, a focus on reducing vessel waiting times and port stay reductions has paid off. Currently the terminal averages first lift within around 30 minutes of berthing. And vessel waiting times are now consistently under 24 hours.

Ease of business and continuous improvements in customer experience are additionally enhanced by port automation and digitization. In 2022, APM Terminals Liberia became the first to introduce the company’s global Truck Appointment System, to streamline visits to the terminal.

Smooth introduction

On the first call to Monrovia, with 28 containers, APM Terminals staff presented the Okee Cuno’s captain and crew with mementos to mark the occasion.

At the presentation, Thomas Moore, APM Terminals Liberia Head of Commercial said, “We are very happy with the preparations, handling and continued support in this first call from Hapag Lloyd. We’ve been proud to provide a smooth introduction into their new market and look forward to increasing volumes.”

Losing no time

APM Terminals has operated at the port of Monrovia since February 2011. Most recently, colleagues celebrated a year without lost time incident (LTI). Safety, as in all APM Terminals locations, is considered first and foremost.