APM Terminal Refutes Custom Brokers Claim

The management of APM Terminals has refuted allegations made by the National Customs Brokers Association that it lacks the needed equipment and setup to effectively manage the Freeport of Monrovia, the gateway to Liberia’s economy.

Speaking to journalists recently during a guided tour of the company’s facilities at the port, APM Terminals General Manager Brian W. Fuggle said the company has the capability to ably manage and run the Freeport contrary to claims by the Customs Brokers Association.

At a press conference held on August 2, 2012, the President of the Customs Brokers Association, Mr. Gbelley V.Barmor, among other things, accused the management of APM of increasing tariff by 3% (three percent) and decreasing from ten to seven days, the grace period given to customers to clear their cargoes from the port.

The Customs Brokers Association also alleged that APM Terminals has limited equipment to effectively run the port.

But our reported who visited the port along with a team of journalists to verify the Association’s claims against APM Terminals, says he saw several pieces of equipment use to load and offload vessels and to perform other activities.

Earlier, the Customs Brokers Association said APM Terminals has only two top lifts, but only one was functional. However, a New Liberia investigation has revealed that there are five top lifts and four forklifts all of which are said to be functional.

Our investigation further showed that massive renovation works being carried out at the Freeport of Monrovia. Yellow machines are busy removing old concrete floor to make way for new one.

Contrary to claims made by the Customs Brokers Association, Mr. Fuggle told reporters that his company has dramatically improve facility at the Freeport of Monrovia, adding that the improvement has brought about efficient service delivery at the port.

“Over the past one and a half years, we have invested USD$ 50 million into the infrastructure of the port and we are still investing,” he said.

In February 2011, APM Terminals assumed management of the Freeport of Monrovia after the signing of a 25-year contract worth US$115 million with the Liberian government.