IPNEWS: Just as the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper, reported in its series before an outburst of rice shortage was evident that bigger vessels could not dock at the Freeport of Monrovia due to the lack of dragging over the last ten years, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has disclosed that there is an ongoing Dredging Operations at the Freeport of Monrovia by MV BREYDEL Which Commenced on 17th October and is expected to end on December 31st, 2022.
A LiMA statement was issued on October 18, 2022, to All Ship-owners, Operators, Masters, Agents, and Artisanal Fishers Semi-industrial industrial wooden canoe operators including port users and pedestrian within the vicinity Freeport of Monrovia, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Liberian National Coast Guard and National Port Authority, said while engaged in dredging operations, MV BREDYEL will be restricted in her ability to maneuver and will display lights and shapes in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG). When the dredger is underway and operating, all vessels will keep watch on VHF Channels 16 and 9, respectively.
“Therefore, all vessels entering or exiting the harbor will establish communications with MV
BREYDEL on VHF Channel 9.”
According to Lima, canoes and fishing activities are disallowed in the vicinity of Freeport of Monrovia and its approaches including the southern side of the breakwater as dredged sediments removed to restore the width and depth of the basin.
“Adherence to these safety restrictions would prevent possible fatal incidents resulting from the dredger colliding with other merchant vessels or small watercrafts. We also caution fishermen to desist from laying fishing nets in the vicinity to avoid the dredger or other merchant vessels getting stuck in fishing nets which could stall the dredging operations.”
As there has been numerous fatal incidents in other projects where safety regulations were ignored, the public is asked to adhere to these regulations and report violators, the Lima statement warned.
“Finally, LiMA reminds the public that detonation of dynamite is illegal across the country and perpetrators caught detonating dynamite within the Port limits and during this dredging operation will be arrested and handed over for prosecution. We will continue working with all stakeholders, including the National Fisheries and Aquaculture of Liberia, the National Port Authority and the Liberian National Coast Guard to support in ensuring the dredging is completed in a safe manner.”
LiMA said the Marine Operations ends on December 31st, 2022.
