The Management of the National Port Authority (NPA) hereby announces with immediate effect, the cancellation of demurrage payments and charges on all containers being shipped into Liberia as of April 1, 2019.
The Port management decision’s is extremely necessary to alleviate the unwarranted hardship and huge financial nightmare on shippers and members of the business community suffered over the years.
A statement issued in Monrovia on Sunday dates the imposition of extra fees and charges as far back as 2016 by the former ruling government terming it ‘demurrage’ ; something that usually amount to several thousands of Untied States Dollars and has caused serious financial headache to shippers as well as end–users.
“Demurrage is a charge levied by shipping agencies to the importers in cases where they have not taken delivery of the full container and move it out of the port or terminal for unpacking within the allowed line free days”.
The NPA Management says the imposition of demurrage in 2016 by the past government caused huge losses to shippers and diversion of consignments and containers to neighboring ports .
The NPA management is therefore positive that the cancellation/abolition of demurrage at the port will foster improved customer service delivery, unpin business distress and halt overstay charges for importers.
The NPA statement says the move is part of the Weah led government’s commitment to relief the business community of unnecessary barriers and boost international trade.
Hon. Bill Twehway, Managing Director, National Port Authority expresses gratitude on behalf of the Executive Management team to the shipping agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation and consent to nix demurrage at the port following a roundtable discussion on the matter .