MONROVIA, Nov. 4 -- The National Port Authority (NPA) has acknowledged that the Freeport of Monrovia, Liberia's principal seaport, is struggling to keep pace with the size and number of ships now calling on it. Cargo vessels are queuing offshore, and importers are counting the cost.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

In an exclusive interview with FrontPage Africa, Captain Samuel M. Lynch, the NPA's Harbor Master and head of its Marine Department, said a contract for comprehensive dredging of the entire port basin and navigation channel is expected to be signed this week. Expansion of container yards and berths would follow within three to eight months, he said.

"The discussion now is that the time is now. The need for it is now that it can't be p...