President Julius Maada Bio has announced the official launch of the Sierra Leone Ocean Shipping Company Limited (SLOSCo), describing the development as a landmark moment in the country’s economic and maritime history.
In a statement shared on his official X account, President Bio said the establishment of the company represents a significant step towards reducing Sierra Leone’s dependence on international shipping operators for the transportation of goods into and out of the country.
“For far too long, we have relied on international carriers to export and import our products,” the President stated, adding that the initiative would give Sierra Leone a greater stake in transporting goods traded with the rest of the world.
The launch follows a joint venture agreement signed on July 16, 2026, between the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA) and China’s Zhejiang Xiehai Group Co. Ltd. to establish the shipping company. The agreement was facilitated by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation as part of efforts to restore Sierra Leone’s national shipping carrier and strengthen the country’s participation in international maritime trade.
The initiative is expected to strengthen maritime logistics, support import and export activities, create employment opportunities and attract investment into Sierra Leone’s shipping industry.
The establishment of a national shipping company could also provide opportunities for the country to retain a greater share of the economic value generated by its international trade, depending on the company’s operational capacity and competitiveness.
However, details regarding the company’s initial fleet, operational commencement, shipping routes and service arrangements were not provided in the President’s announcement.
The development comes amid broader efforts by the government to expand Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure and maximise the economic benefits of its strategic coastal location.
The company’s long-term impact will depend on its ability to provide reliable and competitive shipping services, build partnerships with international operators and deliver tangible benefits for Sierra Leonean businesses and consumers.