SLPHA Director General Holds High-Level Talks with UK Hydrographic Office
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, has held high-level discussions with senior officials of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety, port efficiency, and navigational standards in Sierra Leone.
The strategic engagement focused on enhancing hydrographic surveying, nautical charting, and maritime data management, which are critical to ensuring safe navigation within Sierra Leone’s territorial waters and port approaches. Discussions also explored opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge transfer between the SLPHA and the UKHO.
Mr. Bio emphasised the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to modernising the country’s port infrastructure and aligning its maritime operations with international best practices. He noted that accurate and up-to-date hydrographic information is essential for improving vessel traffic management, attracting increased shipping activity, and boosting investor confidence in Sierra Leone’s ports.
The UKHO officials reaffirmed their willingness to support Sierra Leone through technical expertise, training programmes, and the provision of modern hydrographic products, including updated nautical charts and digital navigation solutions. They also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration to enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and efficient port operations.
The meeting further underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime operations, while strengthening Sierra Leone’s position as a key maritime hub in the sub-region.
The talks form part of SLPHA’s broader reform agenda aimed at transforming the nation’s ports into competitive, world-class gateways that support trade facilitation, economic growth, and regional integration.
