Paris, France – 22 July 2026 – The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in France is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Port Authority (NPA) of the Republic of Liberia and the Seine Axis Major River and Maritime Port, HAROPA PORT of France, aimed at strengthening cooperation and fostering strategic collaboration in port development, modernization, and smart port technologies.
The signing of this important agreement in the port city of Le Havre marks a significant milestone in the growing economic and maritime relationship between Liberia and France and is the result of sustained diplomatic engagement facilitated by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in France under the leadership of His Excellency Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for cooperation between the two port authorities to promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in areas including:
Smart port technologies and digital transformation;
Automated terminal operations and smart logistics systems;
Port infrastructure modernization and rehabilitation;
Capacity building and technical exchanges; and
Sustainable maritime development and long-term institutional partnerships.
The National Port Authority of Liberia, which manages and operates the ports of Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville, has recently embarked upon an ambitious strategic port management and modernization agenda aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing infrastructure, and positioning Liberia’s ports as competitive gateways for regional and international trade.
HAROPA PORT, France’s leading river and maritime port complex and the fourth-largest port in Northern Europe, connects nearly 650 ports worldwide and brings extensive expertise in integrated maritime, river, and logistics operations. The partnership is expected to provide Liberia with valuable opportunities to leverage international best practices and innovative technologies in support of its port development objectives.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Ambassador Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr. stated:
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents another important step in strengthening the longstanding friendship and economic cooperation between Liberia and France. Through this partnership, Liberia stands to benefit from world-class expertise in port management and technology, while opening new avenues for investment, trade, and maritime cooperation between our two countries.”
Mr. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, Managing Director of the National Port Authority of Liberia, welcomed the agreement and highlighted its importance to Liberia’s port modernization agenda. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the NPA described the agreement as more than a formal document, emphasizing that it reflects a shared commitment to building a long-term partnership founded on mutual trust, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth. Managing Director Dukuly highlighted the significant opportunities the partnership presents, noting that while HAROPA PORT is recognized as one of Europe’s leading port complexes, the NPA is actively expanding and modernizing Liberia’s port infrastructure. He expressed appreciation to HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center, Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay and the Embassy of Liberia in France, and all stakeholders whose efforts made the agreement possible, expressing confidence that the collaboration will deliver tangible benefits for both Liberia and France.
Mr. Cedric VIRCIGLIO, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight of HAROPA PORT, emphasized the significance of the partnership and HAROPA PORT’s commitment to international cooperation.*
“HAROPA PORT is pleased to embark on this new partnership with the National Port Authority of Liberia. We believe that cooperation, innovation, and the sharing of expertise are essential to building the ports of tomorrow. This Memorandum of Understanding opens the door to meaningful collaboration that will benefit both institutions and contribute to the sustainable development of maritime trade between Africa and Europe.”
The agreement is intended as a non-exclusive framework for cooperation and provides for regular consultations, information sharing, and the development of future collaborative initiatives between the parties.
The signing of the MoU further demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure, enhancing trade facilitation, and attracting strategic international partnerships that contribute to the country’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
About the National Port Authority (NPA)
The National Port Authority is the statutory entity responsible for the administration, management, and development of Liberia’s four seaports: Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville. The Authority plays a critical role in facilitating international trade and supporting Liberia’s economic growth.
About HAROPA PORT
HAROPA PORT is France’s leading river and maritime port complex, comprising the ports of Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris. It is the fourth-largest port in Northern Europe and serves as a major global gateway connecting Europe to nearly 650 ports around the world.