In a landmark development for Sierra Leone’s maritime sector and economic growth, the Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Madam Judith B. Kosseh, together with the Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to China, H.E. Amb. Abu Bakarr Karim, joined the Management of Xiehai Group to officially launch a groundbreaking direct shipping route between Taizhou Port in China and the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
This strategic initiative represents a transformative step in Sierra Leone’s trade logistics and underscores the country’s growing role as a maritime and logistics hub in West Africa particularly for landlocked and geographically disadvantaged nations in the sub-region.
Xiehai Group, a highly reputable Chinese enterprise known for its integrated ship transportation, fleet management, and end-to-end supply chain operations, will operate the new service. For years, Sierra Leonean importers have endured shipping transit times of no less than 12 weeks for cargo originating from China. With this new direct route, transit times are projected to drop significantly to just five weeks.
This remarkable improvement will accelerate the delivery of essential goods, raw materials, and capital equipment. It will also reduce logistics and inventory costs, enhance supply chain reliability, and ease the operational burdens faced by import-dependent businesses.
The development brings major advantages for manufacturers, traders, and entrepreneurs who rely heavily on China-sourced inputs. Faster and more predictable shipping schedules will strengthen business competitiveness, stimulate local production, and contribute to a more dynamic and resilient Sierra Leonean economy. Furthermore, the streamlined logistics corridor aligns with national priorities to improve the ease of doing business-a key pillar of the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and its ambition to establish Sierra Leone as a regional trade and transport leader.
SLPHA’s leadership reaffirms its commitment to creating an enabling environment for strategic investors and global logistics partners. Through ongoing port modernization, operational efficiency improvements, and international collaborations such as this partnership with Xiehai Group and Taizhou Port-the Authority is positioning Sierra Leone as a model of maritime excellence within the sub-region.
Special recognition is extended to H.E. Ambassador Abu Bakarr Karim, whose visionary diplomacy, persistent engagement, and strategic outreach to Chinese stakeholders were instrumental in turning this ambitious initiative into reality. His leadership highlights the power of bilateral cooperation in driving tangible economic progress.
The launch of the Taizhou-Freetown direct shipping route is more than just a logistical upgrade; it is a powerful symbol of Sierra Leone’s openness to business, its growing integration into global trade networks, and its commitment to leveraging maritime connectivity as a catalyst for sustainable national development.
The business community, government institutions, and the general public have every reason to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the many opportunities it will unlock.