Port of Harper
The Port of Harper, located on the rocky Russwurn Island in Maryland County, Liberia, near the Ivory Coast border, is a vital southeastern gateway established in 1959. Managed by the National Port Authority (NPA), it handles timber, rubber, and local trade, though it has limited capacity (5.5m depth). A $6M refurbishment project began in 2021.
Key Details About the Port of Harper:
- Location & Construction: Situated in the southeastern region of Liberia, roughly 761.6 kilometers from Monrovia. It was constructed on Russwurn Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway and a 150m long breakwater.
- Facilities & Capabilities: The port features a 100m long concrete pier with an available water depth of approximately 5.50m,,, which is ideal for smaller vessels, with maximum drafts around 5.02m. It is an open port with no specific beam restrictions, focusing primarily on supporting the local timber industry and serving as a key logistical hub for the region.
- Operations & Trade: The port handles regional cargo, including timber and rubber, and is crucial for trade between the capital and the southeastern hinterland. It has limited cargo-handling equipment, featuring basic,, storage areas and is used by general cargo ships and tankers.
- Development & Modernization: Due to its limited infrastructure, the Liberian government launched a refurbishment project in February 2021, aiming to construct a $6 million petroleum storage terminal and dredge the port to accommodate larger vessels.
