SLPHA Director General Engages UKHO on Nautical Chart Survey
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, has engaged officials of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) in a high-level technical meeting focused on the ongoing and planned nautical chart surveys of Sierra Leone’s coastal and port waters.
The UKHO delegation was accompanied by senior representatives of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), reflecting a strong spirit of collaboration between national maritime institutions and international partners committed to improving maritime safety and navigational standards in Sierra Leone.
The engagement centered on the scope, progress, and strategic importance of hydrographic surveys being conducted to update nautical charts for Sierra Leone’s territorial waters, including key approaches to the Port of Freetown and other navigable coastal areas. Nautical charts provide essential information such as water depths, seabed features, hazards to navigation, and safe shipping routes, making them critical tools for ship captains, port authorities, and maritime regulators.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Bio emphasized that accurate and modern hydrographic data is fundamental to the safe and efficient operation of Sierra Leone’s ports. He noted that outdated charts pose risks to vessel safety and port infrastructure, while updated charts enhance confidence among international shipping lines, insurers, and investors.
“Reliable nautical charts are not just technical documents; they are vital instruments for maritime safety, economic growth, and national development,” Mr. Bio stated. “This survey will significantly improve navigational safety, reduce the risk of maritime incidents, and support our drive to modernize port operations.”
He further reaffirmed SLPHA’s commitment to working closely with UKHO and SLMA by providing logistical and institutional support to ensure the successful completion of the survey exercise. According to him, the initiative aligns with SLPHA’s broader strategy to strengthen port efficiency, boost trade facilitation, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive maritime gateway in the Mano River and wider West African region.
Officials from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office outlined the technical components of the survey, which include detailed seabed mapping, depth sounding, and the collection of navigational data using advanced hydrographic equipment. They explained that the data gathered will be used to produce internationally compliant nautical charts that meet global maritime standards and are recognized by shipping operators worldwide.
The UKHO team also commended the cooperation received from Sierra Leonean authorities, describing the partnership as essential for achieving accurate, reliable, and timely survey outcomes. They noted that the updated charts will contribute to safer navigation, improved port access, and enhanced maritime security.
Representatives of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration reiterated SLMA’s statutory mandate to regulate and oversee maritime safety in Sierra Leone. They highlighted that updated nautical charts will support the enforcement of international maritime conventions, improve pilotage services, and strengthen overall maritime governance.
The engagement concluded with commitments from all parties to maintain close coordination throughout the survey process and to explore future capacity-building opportunities for Sierra Leonean maritime professionals in hydrographic surveying and charting.
The ongoing collaboration between SLPHA, UKHO, and SLMA marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure, enhance safety at sea, and support sustainable economic growth through efficient and secure port operation
