Monrovia, Liberia – In what appears as a historic juncture for Liberia’s maritime sector, Captains Sam Jabbah and William Lassanah have been officially commissioned as the nation’s first homegrown Marine Pilot and Tugboat Captain, respectively. The two Liberian seafarers were formally presented to the National Port Authority (NPA) after completing rigorous training and certification programs at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana.
During the handover ceremony, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, APM Terminals Liberia Managing Director, Jan Buijze, expressed pride in the captains’ achievements, stating that their success reflects Liberia’s growing expertise in the maritime industry.
“The APM Terminals family is gratified by the dedication and accomplishments of these two outstanding Liberians,” Buijze said. “They have not only elevated their own careers but have also brought immense pride to the nation.”
Captain Sam Jabbah’s training spans multiple prestigious institutions worldwide, including the South African Maritime Training Academy in Cape Town, Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale (USA), Falck Safety Services in Houston (USA), and the Canarian School of Navigation and Maritime Safety in Tenerife, Spain.
Meanwhile, Captain William Lassanah pursued advanced maritime training in Bahrain, culminating in the attainment of his Master Near Coastal License—a significant professional milestone.
Svitzer Managing Director Cedric Guiraud emphasized the importance of empowering Liberians in the maritime sector, noting that the captains’ success marks a pivotal shift toward local expertise in key roles.
“The training and certification of Liberian captains signify a transformative step in the ‘Liberianization’ of our maritime services,” Guiraud stated. “This is not just a personal achievement but a national victory.”
Receiving the newly certified captains, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly commended their perseverance and dedication.
“Captains Jabbah and Lassanah have placed Liberia on the global maritime map,” Dukuly declared. “Their success opens a new chapter in transforming our maritime sector, aligning with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of positioning Liberia competitively through knowledge and technology.”
Dukuly stressed that as Liberia expands its international trade relations, developing local expertise is critical. He highlighted the Freeport of Monrovia—the nation’s primary trade gateway—as a vital infrastructure requiring continuous professional development to meet global standards.
In their remarks, both captains expressed gratitude to APM Terminals for the opportunity and shared their journeys. “My success is a testament to hard work and dedication,” said Captain Jabbah. “To aspiring mariners, I say: Stay humble, stay hungry, and remain respectful in all you do.”
Captain Lassanah reflected on his motivation, recalling that foreign dominance in the field initially seemed daunting. “I saw only foreigners in these roles, but I believed Liberians could excel too—and we’ve proven it,” he said. “The journey was tough, but passion kept me going. If we can do it, so can others. Stay determined, and never give up.”
Both captains pledged to mentor future generations, ensuring that their trailblazing achievements pave the way for more Liberians in the maritime industry.
