NPA, LMTI Explore Strategic Training Opportunities

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ADNews-Marshall, Margibi,Liberia: In a decisive step to operationalize the National Port Authority’s RESET Agenda and reposition Liberia’s port sector through human capital development, the Management of the National Port Authority (NPA) has engaged the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) to advance a structured partnership focused on workforce training, skills localization, and professional maritime capacity building across the national port system.

on Tuesday February 10, 2026,  NPA delegation was received by Tal Hendler, General Manager of LMTI, who outlined the Institute’s mandate, training programs, and specialized facilities, with emphasis on the Manning Department responsible for the deployment of cadets and certified marine officers to vessels and professional assignments.

LMTI highlighted the strong international demand for trained maritime personnel by global shipping lines and terminal operators, including APM Terminals, as well as Liberia’s global standing through the Liberian Shipping Registry, the largest ship registry in the world. The Institute also showcased its facilities, recognized by the Regional Maritime University, with focus on firefighting, marine safety, and emergency response training.

Speaking during the engagement, Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, Managing Director of the NPA, emphasized that workforce transformation is a core pillar of the RESET Agenda. He stressed the urgent need to deliberately train Liberians to assume critical marine functions, including pilotage and marine services at the Freeport of Monrovia, to strengthen national ownership, operational efficiency, and institutional sustainability.

The Managing Director was accompanied by James R. Bernard, Deputy Managing Director for Administration; Vashti Hanna Sirleaf, Executive Director for Human Resources; Abigail Tomah Gbassage, Administrative Assistant to the Managing Director; and George Des. Kennedy, Senior Director for Training.

The engagement reinforces the NPA Management’s determination under the RESET Agenda to correct entrenched skills gaps, localize core marine services, and build a competent Liberian maritime workforce as the backbone of port modernization, institutional reform, and Liberia’s long term competitiveness in the global maritime industry.