The Management of the National Port Authority has announced the immediate cancellation of demurrage payments and charges on all containers being shipped into Liberia as of April 1.
“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”.
Appearing on the OK Morning Rush Monday, March 25,2019, the Director for Public Relations at the National Port Authority Malcolm Scott, said the decision is necessary to alleviate the unwarranted hardship and huge financial burden on shippers and members of the business community.
Scott said, the move is also part of the Weah-led government’s commitment to relief the business community of unnecessary barriers and boost international trade, expressing the hope that it will foster improved customer service delivery, unpinned business distress and halt overstay charges for importers.
He stated 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 expressed 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”.
