February 10,2026-Monrovia, Liberia — Instead of relying heavily on foreign expertise, Liberia is taking steps to ensure its own citizens are better prepared to lead in the maritime and port industry. The National Port Authority (NPA) is working with the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) to design a long-term training pipeline that will help Liberians gain the skills needed for high-demand jobs both at home and abroad.
During a recent engagement, LMTI’s General Manager, Tal Hendler, walked the NPA team through the institute’s mission and hands-on training model. A major focus was the Manning Department, which helps place cadets and licensed maritime professionals on vessels and in other industry roles. LMTI highlighted that global shipping companies, including operators like APM Terminals, are constantly searching for well-trained personnel—and that Liberians, with the right preparation, can compete strongly for these opportunities. The institute also pointed to the Liberian Shipping Registry, the world’s largest, as a strategic advantage that can be better leveraged when the country builds a stronger pool of local maritime professionals.
The NPA delegation toured LMTI’s internationally accredited facilities, endorsed by the Regional Maritime University, and observed practical training in firefighting, marine safety, and emergency response. These programs are designed to meet global standards and to prepare young Liberians not just for local port operations, but for careers across the international maritime industry.
Speaking at the visit, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly framed the partnership as an investment in people, not just infrastructure. He stressed that equipping Liberians with specialized skills—especially in pilotage and marine services at the Freeport of Monrovia—is essential to improving efficiency, increasing local ownership of key operations, and ensuring the long-term stability and resilience of the NPA.
Hon. Dukuly was accompanied by James R. Bernard, Deputy Managing Director for Administration; Vashti Hanna Sirleaf, Executive Director for Human Resources; Abigail Tomah Gbassage, Administrative Assistant to the Managing Director; and George Des. Kennedy, Senior Director for Training—signaling that the push for capacity building is a top-level priority across the institution.
Beyond a simple courtesy visit, the interaction signaled a shift toward homegrown expertise in Liberia’s maritime space. By deepening collaboration with LMTI, the NPA hopes to close persistent skills gaps, modernize port operations, and ensure that more Liberians are qualified to take up technical and leadership roles in a sector that is vital to the country’s economy and its competitive standing in global trade.
