Ferry services are essentials in linking Freetown – capital city of Sierra Leone to the outside world. Travels through Ferries are the second nature for travellers visiting the country after their flights touch down at the international airport in Lungi.

Lungi which harbours the airport is the gateway to Sierra Leone. The ferries complete the long air trips for visitors as they continue the waterway to link the capital city of Freetown. By far amongst the safest and most convenient of these ferries is MV Bai Bureh – a government owned ferry which commenced operations in 2021. It accommodates 500 passengers and 60 vehicles per trip.

Francis Jamal Martins, General Manager of the ferry in an interview with FS said the ferry is health and safety compliant and its being operated by qualified crew. According to him, the ferry was purchased by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) as a form of investment for government.” This ferry is operating from government wharf terminal to Lungi Tagrin terminal. It covers 7 miles at sea between Tagrin and government wharf in Freetown. The ferry helps ease heavy traffic at Kissy Road and Fourah Bay while travelling to Lungi”.

MV Bai Bureh’s harbour was strategically located in Freetown near the Central Business District (CDB) in the proximity of the State House, Markets, PZ Market, the Banks and Commerce. “The location of the harbour in the CBD help passengers to save travel time, fuel consumption whilst ensuring safe travel”. Mr Martin explained that the ferry’s schedule is flexible but strategically configured to align with flight schedules. “So that constrains from late landing flights at the Freetown International Airport will have a space for the passengers to cross easily to Freetown the capital city”.

“Equally important to note is that this ferry also caters for government workers in the morning and evening hours. It further caters for local traders plying the Port Loko District (North West Region) and the capital city of Freetown”. The Ferry is being managed and operated by Eterna Ship Management SL Ltd as part of the government’s effort at promoting sea transportation.