Digitally transforming Sierra Leone’s primary bulk gateway with CommTrac

When Nectar Group secured a 10-year concession in 2015 to operate the bulk terminal at Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, it faced a familiar challenge for terminals operating in emerging and remote markets.

Cargo volumes were increasing, the commodity mix was diverse, and expectations from customers and authorities were rising. However, the terminal had limited digital infrastructure, heavy reliance on manual processes, and restricted access to local IT expertise. To scale operations professionally and reliably, Nectar needed a terminal operating system that could be deployed quickly, function robustly in a challenging environment, and deliver real-time operational visibility both locally and at head office level.

Nectar partnered with TBA to implement CommTrac, supported by an innovative containerised “TOS in a Box” deployment model. CommTrac was selected as the core terminal operating system to unify vessel planning, cargo tracking, storage management, weighbridge integration, and billing into a single, integrated platform. To overcome infrastructure and deployment constraints, TBA delivered CommTrac as a fully pre-configured, containerised solution.

The system was installed, configured, and tested off-site before being shipped to Sierra Leone in standard 20-foot containers. These containers were fitted out to serve as weighbridge offices and administrative spaces, complete with power, networking, servers, and connectivity options including fibre, cable, or 4G. Once connected to mains power on site, the system was operational immediately.

This approach removed the need for local construction, minimised on-site IT requirements, and enabled a rapid, low-risk go-live in a complex operating environment.

CommTrac went live at Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT) in 2016 and became the operational backbone of the terminal container weighing operations.

Key capabilities included:

• Real-time visibility of vessel and yard operations

• Automated capture of weighbridge data to ensure accurate tonnage records

• Integrated inventory control and storage management

• Centralised operational data accessible to both site teams and head office

• Standardised operating procedures aligned with international best practice

Local staff were trained to operate the system day-to-day, while management and financial oversight could be maintained remotely, providing transparency and control across the organisation.

The results

The introduction of CommTrac transformed NSBT’s operational discipline and scalability.

Supervisors and planners gained real-time insight into terminal activity, enabling better coordination of equipment, labour, and storage. Manual processes were replaced with accurate, automated data capture, improving reliability, reducing discrepancies, and strengthening customer confidence.

As cargo volumes increased, CommTrac allowed the terminal to scale without loss of control or visibility. This proved critical as NSBT continued to invest in infrastructure and capacity.

Supporting long-term growth

In 2024, NSBT completed a major expansion project with the opening of its third deep-water berth. The development increased terminal capacity by more than 30% and enabled the handling of vessels up to 225 metres in length with a -11.512-metre draft.

With larger vessels and higher throughput, CommTrac’s ability to consolidate operational data and provide a single, real-time view of terminal performance became even more valuable. Digital systems introduced years earlier were now underpinning NSBT’s evolution into a regional bulk logistics hub.

The transformation of NSBT has delivered benefits well beyond operational efficiency. The terminal only employs one expat, all other staff are Sierra Leonean nationals, combining local skills development with modern infrastructure and advanced digital systems.

This achievement was recognised internationally when NSBT received the Special Achievement Award at the 2025 International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards, highlighting the success of Nectar’s long-term investment strategy and the role of technology in enabling sustainable growth.

Today, CommTrac remains central to NSBT’s operations, linking quay activities, yard operations, management reporting, and customer service through a single platform. As TBA continues to enhance CommTrac with new capabilities, NSBT is well positioned to , seek continuous improvement opportunity  and adopt further innovations and continue its growth trajectory.

The partnership between Nectar Group and TBA demonstrates how a modern, flexible terminal operating system, delivered through innovative deployment models, can provide long-term value, even in the most demanding operating environments. At NSBT, CommTrac has not only improved efficiency and control; it has enabled confidence, international competitiveness, and meaningful contribution to national trade and economic development.