By Forum staff writer
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority SLPHA, Mr Yankuba Askia Bio, has held high level discussions with officials from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office UKHO as part of efforts to strengthen maritime safety and improve nautical charting in Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held in Freetown, brought together senior officials from the UKHO, the designated authority responsible for conducting nautical chart surveys in Sierra Leone, alongside representatives of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration SLMA. The engagement focused on formalising UKHO’s operational mandate in the country and deepening technical cooperation within the maritime sector.
Discussions centered on UKHO’s role in carrying out hydrographic surveys along Sierra Leone’s riverine and coastal waterways. These surveys are critical for producing accurate nautical charts that support safe navigation for vessels operating in national and international waters. The partnership is also expected to deliver technical training and modern equipment aimed at building local expertise and strengthening institutional capacity.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr Bio underscored the rapid growth in activities at the Freetown Port, attributing the expansion to improved efficiency and increased productivity. He noted that rising trade volumes and container traffic have placed new demands on port infrastructure, creating the need for additional berths and the establishment of Inland Container Depots across the country.
According to the SLPHA Director General, improved hydrographic data and accurate marine charts are essential to supporting these developments and ensuring that port expansion is matched with enhanced safety and navigational standards. He emphasized that effective collaboration with international partners such as the UKHO will help Sierra Leone meet global maritime requirements.
Key areas discussed during the engagement included the collection and provision of hydrographic and marine geospatial data, raising global standards in hydrography, cartography, and navigation, and improving marine safety and environmental protection. The parties also explored opportunities for technical assistance, capacity building, and the provision of specialized equipment for nautical chart surveys.
The UKHO, headquartered in Taunton, Somerset, serves as the United Kingdom Government’s authority on hydrography. It produces marine data, nautical charts, and navigational guidance used by the Royal Navy, merchant vessels, and other maritime users worldwide. Operating as a Ministry of Defence Trading Fund, the UKHO also fulfills international obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention and plays a leading role in developing and maintaining global hydrographic and cartographic standards.
Representatives of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration highlighted the importance of accurate nautical information in reducing maritime accidents, protecting the marine environment, and enhancing confidence among international shipping operators.
With Sierra Leone’s maritime sector continuing to expand, officials believe the strengthened partnership between SLPHA, SLMA, and the UKHO will significantly improve safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The collaboration is expected to support sustainable port development and position Sierra Leone as a more competitive and reliable player in regional and global shipping and trade.
