By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a strategic move aimed at domestically adopting four crucial legal instruments to strengthen maritime operations in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has launched a three-day workshop with key stakeholders in the sea, land, and air transportation sectors.
Running from Tuesday, August 12 to Thursday, August 14, 2025, the workshop brings together government officials, development partners, legal professionals, private sector representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media to discuss how to modernize the country’s maritime framework and align it with international standards.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Fanday Turay, Esq., praised the leadership of SLMA for their efforts in domestication of legislations that align with global best practices for effective sea transportation. He reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to improving Sierra Leone’s maritime laws to ensure they meet international standards, adding that the country’s “natural harbor” plays a pivotal role in both regional and global sea operations.
“Sierra Leone is recognized for having one of the best natural harbours, which is significant not just in the subregion, but globally,” Minister Turay stated. “Therefore, domesticating advanced legal instruments to regulate maritime operations will substantially elevate Sierra Leone’s maritime sector and transform our outdated legislation to align with international norms.”
The Minister emphasized the government’s ongoing support for advancing the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s Maritime Administration (SLMA). He also outlined that the workshop’s goal is to domesticate four critical legal instruments, including the Revised Merchant Shipping Act 2025, the Marine Pollution Bill, the Liability and Compensation Bill and the Sierra Leone Port Authority and Ship Security Bill.
According to Minister Turay, these legal instruments will not only strengthen Sierra Leone’s maritime laws but also help position SLMA to meet both regional and international maritime standards. He urged participants to contribute constructively to the workshop to ensure the successful domestication of these instruments, which, he believes, will help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to maritime operations.
“Domesticating these four legal instruments is not a luxury; it is a strategic move aimed at changing the current state of Sierra Leone’s maritime operations,” he asserted. “I am pleased to officially declare this important workshop open. Let’s work together to position SLMA for success in the global maritime sector.”
In his remarks, Rev. Edward Kwami Yankson, the Chairman of the event, underscored the importance of the workshop, describing the legal instruments being discussed as essential for transforming the country’s maritime administration. He added that the workshop would significantly benefit Sierra Leone by creating a more modern and internationally competitive maritime sector.
Mr. Eugene Cole, who spoke on behalf of SLMA’s Board Chairman, commended the government for its “strong political will” in advancing the maritime sector. He highlighted that the successful domestication of the four legal instruments would bring international recognition to Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, enhancing the country’s position on the global stage.
He further emphasized the SLMA Board’s commitment to supporting the development of robust maritime laws and regulations that would position Sierra Leone for long-term success in international maritime affairs.
In his welcome address, Ing. Emmanuel Lansana, the Deputy Executive Director of SLMA, informed attendees that the workshop’s primary objective is to domesticate four key legal instruments to enhance and modernize Sierra Leone’s maritime sector. He encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to the workshop’s success, underscoring the importance of having strong international maritime laws to improve Sierra Leone’s outdated legal framework.
As the three-day workshop continues at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown, there is a strong call for candid and constructive dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that Sierra Leone’s maritime sector is positioned to meet the demands of modern maritime operations.