Container Tracking Note Takes Off In Liberia

By ZION Olalekan |

The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia has announced that Container Tracking Note (CTN) System commenced with effect from February 1st, 2019.

Indeed, Container Tracking Note is now mandatory for all shipments bound to Liberia or in transit through Liberia and it is under Shipper’s responsibility.

Under the arrangement, each B/L must be covered by a valid wwer67 ` unique CTN number which will also be inserted on the Cargo Manifest. Shipments not covered by a valid CTN number will not be loaded and fines may apply.

Shipment without a valid CTN number will not be discharged in Liberia. Fines will apply in accordance with the NPA regulation on top of additional costs.

Nigeriamaritime360.com recalls that CTN was introduced in Nigeria in 2009 under the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) but maritime stakeholders had criticized the scheme on the grounds that it would lead to increase in cost of doing business.

The scheme was subsequently suspended in 2011 but was later introduced by the Nigeria Shippers Council in 2015.

However, the scheme could not work due to stakeholders complaints but is now being reconsidered with the NSC carrying stakeholders in the sector along.