Sierra Leone has officially launched its first industrial fishing port, the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port, at Black Johnson Village in the Western Area Rural District. The $55 million project, funded by China Aid, is a significant milestone in the country’s economic transformation and marine sector development.
The port, named after President Julius Maada Bio, is designed to modernise Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector and unlock the full potential of its blue economy. The facility will feature a 500-metre breakwater, a 160-metre approach causeway, and a harbour basin covering approximately 300,000 square metres.
Key Features of the Port
The port will include a 3,000-gross-ton berth for ocean-going fishing vessels and a 70-metre stepped berth, along with dredging works to ensure navigability and operational efficiency. Supporting infrastructure will also be developed, including a fishing port office building, a modern fish trading market, and essential utilities such as water supply systems, electricity, and wastewater treatment facilities.
According to the World Bank, the port is expected to handle up to 20,000 metric tons of fish annually and generate more than $60 million in revenue each year. It will also serve as a hub for value-added activities such as fish processing, ice production, and net manufacturing, contributing to reduced post-harvest losses and improved efficiency across the fisheries value chain.
Benefits for the Local Economy
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, with the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, emphasized the long-standing cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in the fisheries sector, noting that the partnership has spanned over four decades.
Some of the key benefits of the port include:
- Increased fish production and revenue
- Improved efficiency and reduced post-harvest losses
- Job creation and economic growth
- Enhanced cooperation between China and Sierra Leone
As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the port will play a critical role in promoting sustainable fisheries management and reducing the environmental impact of fishing activities.
