FTL Marks 15 Years of Growth, Teamwork

By Mackie M. Jalloh

(232news) –

The General Manager of Freetown Terminal Limited, Maroun Abi Aad, has commended the dedication and resilience of staff as the company marked its 15th anniversary on 13 March 2026, describing the milestone as a celebration of teamwork, commitment, and shared success.

Speaking during the anniversary gathering, Abi Aad conveyed a message of appreciation to employees while reflecting on the journey that has transformed the terminal into a key operational hub supporting Sierra Leone’s maritime trade.

Before delivering his address, the General Manager informed staff that Captain Kokan, who had been expected to attend the celebration, was unable to travel after his flight was cancelled and rescheduled for the following day. Despite his absence, Abi Aad said the captain asked him to convey his appreciation to the workforce.

According to Abi Aad, Captain Kokan expressed both pride and regret pride in seeing the company celebrate fifteen years of progress and regret that he could not personally share the moment with the staff.

“Please tell all the staff thank you, thank you, thank you for everything they have done over the past 15 years,” Abi Aad quoted him as saying.

Addressing the gathering, the General Manager emphasized that the anniversary represented far more than the passage of time. Instead, he said, it symbolizes the collective effort of the workforce whose dedication has shaped the terminal’s success.

“This achievement is not just about time,” he noted. “It is about dedication, commitment, teamwork, and the incredible people who have made this journey possible.”

Abi Aad paid tribute to employees across all departments, stressing that every role within the organization contributes to the terminal’s continued growth. From operational staff to administrative personnel and management, he said, the commitment of the workforce has built the strong foundation upon which the company stands today.

Reflecting on the organization’s culture, Abi Aad said the company’s progress has been sustained by a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among staff members. According to him, the ability of employees to believe in their work and support one another has enabled the terminal to overcome challenges and continue expanding its operations.

He also encouraged staff to maintain strong professional relationships and to continue working collectively toward shared goals.

“Let us always remember to think and act as a team, not as individuals,” he said, emphasizing that teamwork remains the company’s greatest strength.

The General Manager further highlighted the broader significance of the terminal’s growth, noting that the prosperity of the company directly supports the livelihoods of employees and their families.

“When the company grows stronger, it creates greater stability and more opportunities for everyone,” he stated.

Abi Aad also shared a recent experience that, according to him, demonstrated the strong sense of ownership among employees. Over the past two days, several staff members approached him expressing concern over reports that empty containers might be redirected to another location rather than arriving at the terminal.

Rather than raising personal concerns, the employees were worried about whether the decision could negatively affect the terminal’s operations or their jobs.

Abi Aad said he was impressed by the reaction, describing it as evidence that staff members view the company not merely as a workplace but as an institution to which they belong.

“This concern shows that our staff truly care about the future and success of the company,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, the General Manager called on employees to continue working with unity, pride, and dedication as the terminal moves into its next phase of growth.

He thanked staff members for their contributions over the past fifteen years and encouraged them to look to the future with confidence and determination.

“Happy 15th Anniversary to our terminal,” Abi Aad said. “Together, we will continue to achieve even greater success.”