By Lemuella Tarawallie
The Merchant Shipping Act 2025, a revision of the original 2003 Act, has been committed to the Legislative Committee of Parliament for scrutiny and possible amendment.
The bill, officially titled the Merchant Shipping Act 2025, underwent a pre-legislative hearing and was tabled in the Well of Parliament on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, by Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alex Rex Bhonapha. During the first and second readings of the bill, the Deputy Minister noted that the purpose of the amendment is to collaborate with the Legislative Committee of Parliament to update certain provisions—especially those related to fines and penalties.
Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, Member of Parliament for Western Area Urban and Chair of the Legislative Committee, who also served as Acting Leader of Government Business during the debate, stated that the proposed amendments are intended to bring Sierra Leone’s maritime sector in line with international best practices. He emphasized that the bill includes provisions for investment tracking, updated fines to deter substandard practices, and enhanced enforcement and compliance measures. It also seeks to promote marine safety and environmental protection.
Hon. Marray-Conteh added that the amendment is a strategic move to boost Sierra Leone’s global credibility, attract foreign investments, and support economic diversification, particularly within the maritime industry. He also noted that the bill is not controversial and is expected to give Sierra Leone a competitive edge in the region.
Meanwhile, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and MP for Tonkolili District, acknowledged that the 2025 Act is intended to interconnect with the 2003 Act. He pointed out that nearly 90% of the provisions in the earlier 2023 draft bill are already incorporated in the 2025 version. He also emphasized that the bill is aimed at making Sierra Leone’s shipping sector more competitive, while respecting the country’s commitments under various international conventions and frameworks.
During the debate, several Members of Parliament focused on the fines and fees stipulated in the 2003 Act, calling for comprehensive updates to reflect current realities.
Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin, MP for Bo District and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Tertiary and Higher Education, stood under Standing Order 51(1) to formally commit the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 to the Legislative Committee for proper scrutiny and necessary amendments.
