Freetown Terminal Welcomes A New World-Class Shipowner

 On Thursday May 25, 2023, Freetown Terminal, the operator of the container terminal at the Port of Freetown, proudly announced the successful docking of a vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the world’s 5th largest shipowner. The container ship named OKEE CUNO, belonging to the renowned German company’s fleet of 200 container ships, was received at the quay by Freetown Terminal’s General Manager, Nicolas Escalin, accompanied by Operations Manager Abubakar Sesay. 

Hapag Lloyd, a globally recognized shipping company, specializes in the transportation of various types of containers, including refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods, and special cargoes. The establishment of this new route has been made possible by the significant investments made by Freetown Terminal in modernizing infrastructure, enhancing staff training, and providing expedited port services 

“The arrival of Hapag Lloyd at the port of Freetown will ignite healthy competition among the leading shipping lines serving Sierra Leone. This development has the potential to enhance services and bring benefits to importers, exporters, as well as the people of Sierra Leone” stated Nicolas Escalin, Managing Director of Freetown Terminal, with enthusiasm. 

“The introduction of new service in our ports is always a welcome move. We firmly believe that additional services and expanded port connections contribute significantly to the country’s overall development and the welfare of its people. We are thrilled to mark the inaugural call of this esteemed shipping line, a company with over a century of excellence.” Said Abubakar Sesay, Operations Manager of Freetown Terminal. 

Freetown Terminal’s commitment to investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive training programs, and efficient port services has proven to be instrumental in attracting renowned global players like Hapag Lloyd. The terminal’s capacity to accommodate large vessels opens new avenues for trade, strengthens the logistics network, and propels Sierra Leone’s economic growth.