Monrovia – The Management of the National Port Authority has signed a contract value at over US$6 million with Smit Lamnalco for the supply of marine crafts which includes two Tug Boats: namely, Lamnalco waxbill and Lamnalco wagtail. A patrol boat: Smit Qasim and Pilot boat: Smit Oloma, for use at the Port of Greenville in Sinoe County.
The signing ceremony took place on March 22 2016 at the National Port Authority (NPA) head office at the Freeport of Monrovia with Managing Director, David F. Williams, signing on behalf of the NPA while Mr. Paul Grizell, Regional Commercial Manager for Africa signing on behalf of Smit Lamnalco. This contract marks the second for several procurable items under the terms and conditions of the Kuwaiti Loan for the rehabilitation of the Greenville Port in Sinoe County.
The process culminating into the signing of the contract involved International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procurement method and the required bid evaluation and due diligence process for each of the marine crafts mentioned above.
As required, the bidding process results with all associated documentations were sent to PPCC requesting no objections to award contract to the most responsive bidder. After a careful review, PPCC granted approval of no objection to award the contract to Smit Lamnalco as the most responsive bidder.
It can be recalled that in 2012, the NPA management through the Government of Liberia entered into a loan agreement with the Kuwait Fund for the rehabilitation of the Port of Greenville in Sinoe County. Under the terms of that loan agreement, funding was allocated for the following items: Navigational Aids, Marine Crafts, and Cargo Handling Equipment, etc
The contract has already been consummated between the Management of the National Port Authority and Kalmar West Africa for the supply of container forklift. Another contract is being negotiated between the National Port Authority and J.A Delmas for the supply of log loaders.
The signing of these contracts and the procurement of the marine crafts will make the port much more efficient in the discharge of its responsibilities. i.e improve handling capabilities and increase throughput; and increase tax revenue to government as well as boost to the regional economy in the southeast and beyond.
The management of the National Port Authority remains appreciative to the Kuwaiti Fund for the support in making the Port of Greenville more attractive, most particularly to the government of Liberia for the continued support.