Freetown Terminal Marks 15 Years of Progress; GM Appreciates Staff Dedication and Teamwork

Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) commemorated its 15th anniversary on March 13, 2026, with a gathering that highlighted the company’s consistent growth and the critical role employees played in transforming the terminal into a key hub for Sierra Leone maritime trade. The General Manager, Maroun Abi Aad, used the occasion to praise the workforce, describe the achievement as a testament to teamwork, and call for continued unity as the company enters its next phase of development.
Abi Aad thanked staff at the anniversary event for their years of hard work and resilience in shaping the terminal’s progress. He framed the anniversary not only as a measure of time, but also as a reflection of all employees’ commitment and collaboration across departments. “This achievement isn’t just about time,” he explained. “It’s about dedication, commitment, teamwork, and the incredible people who helped make this journey possible.”
Abi Aad also relayed a message from Captain Kokan, who was supposed to attend the celebration but was unable to travel due to a cancelled flight that was rescheduled for the next day. Although the captain couldn’t be present in person, he asked Abi Aad to express his heartfelt gratitude to the staff. According to the General Manager, Captain Kokan expressed both pride in the company’s accomplishments and regret for missing such an important day. “Please tell all of the staff thank you, thank you, thank you for everything they’ve done over the last 15 years,” Abi Aad reported him saying.
Throughout his remarks, the General Manager emphasised that everyone in the organisation, from operational staff on the ground to administrative personnel and management, has contributed to Freetown Terminal’s current success and stability. He praised employees from all departments, emphasising that the collective effort of individuals at all levels serves as the foundation for the terminal’s growth.
Abi Aad also discussed the culture that has driven the company’s growth: a workplace marked by cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared belief in the terminal’s mission. He stated that these qualities have allowed the organisation to overcome operational challenges and continue to expand its services. “Let us always remember to think and act as a team, not as individuals,” he said, emphasising that teamwork is still the company’s greatest strength.
To demonstrate the depth of employee commitment, the General Manager recounted a recent incident in which several staff members approached him about reports that empty containers would be routed elsewhere rather than arriving at Freetown Terminal. Rather than expressing personal concerns, the employees were more concerned about the potential impact of such a decision on the terminal’s operations and their colleagues’ jobs. Abi Aad said their reactions impressed him and demonstrated that employees see the company not just as a place to work, but as an institution to which they belong and feel responsible.
“This concern demonstrates that our employees genuinely care about the company’s future and success,” he said, adding that such a sense of ownership is a valuable asset to the terminal’s continued success.
The General Manager also emphasised the broader significance of the company’s expansion, stating that as the terminal strengthens, it provides greater stability and expanded opportunities for employees and their families. He framed the terminal’s progress as inextricably linked to the economic well-being of those who work there, and, by extension, the communities that rely on the maritime industry.
Abi Aad concluded his remarks by encouraging employees to maintain the spirit of unity, pride, and dedication that has defined the company’s first 15 years. He thanked employees for their contributions and encouraged them to tackle the next chapter with confidence and determination. “Happy 15th anniversary to our terminal,” he announced. “Together, we will continue to achieve greater success.”
The anniversary ceremony served as both a reflection on the company’s accomplishments over the previous decade and a reaffirmation of its dedication to teamwork and service. As Freetown Terminal enters its next phase of growth, management and staff appear to be united in their determination to build on the successes of the previous 15 years and ensure a prosperous future for the terminal and the people who rely on it.