The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has held discussions with Triple-A on potential areas of collaboration to strengthen port security, safety and smart-port operations during an engagement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Authority’s facilities in Freetown. The meeting brought together SLPHA Board Chairman Hon. Manso Dumbuya, Director General Yankuba Askia Bio, Deputy Director General Madam Judith Kosseh, other senior officials and representatives of Triple-A.

Triple-A, a team of professionals providing AI-enabled solutions for container intelligence, vehicle tracking, security, safety and resilient port operations, presented potential interventions including integrated security and safety systems, digital port twins, and container and vehicle tracking beyond the port gate.

The discussions come as the Authority continues efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of the Port of Freetown, with DG Bio noting that preparations are underway for a U.S. Coast Guard audit scheduled for November 2026.

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The upcoming audit follows an ISPS Code assessment conducted in November 2025, during which the U.S. Coast Guard commended the Authority for improvements in access control, surveillance and perimeter fencing at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

During the previous assessment, the Coast Guard team also toured the port’s CCTV monitoring room and received a briefing on the deployment of 36 cameras covering the facility and surrounding areas.

The U.S. Coast Guard team leader, Scott Wolland, expressed satisfaction with the findings from the 2025 assessment and proposed a tabletop exercise involving relevant stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of port security measures.

The Authority has maintained an 87 per cent compliance rating in anti-corruption assessments, as provided, as part of its broader focus on governance and institutional integrity.

The discussions with Triple-A identified several areas for possible collaboration, including consultancy and gap assessments, safety and security training, access-control systems and the development of a Port Masterplan.

SLPHA management called for the proposed intervention to be expedited, with clear short-, medium- and long-term targets established to guide implementation.

The engagement forms part of the Authority’s wider transformation agenda under Board Chairman Manso Dumbuya and DG Yankuba Askia Bio. The agenda includes port modernisation, berth rehabilitation and expansion, reconstruction of the perimeter fence and the provision of advanced equipment aimed at improving productivity and reducing vessel turnaround times.

The Authority has also continued its revenue-generation efforts and maintained compliance with financial and regulatory requirements, according to the information provided.

The security engagement comes amid broader efforts to improve the efficiency of the Port of Freetown.

In August 2026, Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh chaired a high-level stakeholder meeting focused on congestion at Queen Elizabeth II Quay and measures to improve trade efficiency.

The meeting identified practical interventions, including stronger coordination among agencies operating at the port and improved arrangements for the movement of containers.

The Authority has also highlighted international recognition of its leadership, with Director General Yankuba Askia Bio having been recognised as the Africa-UK Most Outstanding Personality in Port Operations and Management.

The engagement with Triple-A points to growing interest in using technology to improve port security and operational resilience.

Proposed solutions such as integrated security systems, digital port twins and tracking of containers and vehicles beyond the port gate could provide additional tools for monitoring port activities and strengthening coordination.

As the SLPHA prepares for the U.S. Coast Guard audit in November, the Authority’s discussions with Triple-A form part of its stated efforts to improve security infrastructure, operational systems and the overall resilience of the Port of Freetown.