The Freeport of Monrovia is one of West Africa's largest deepwater ports, handling most of Liberia's imports and a substantial amount of regional shipping. The port itself is not open to casual visitors, but the area around the northern waterfront gives views over the harbour and the constant movement of container ships, bulk carriers, and smaller vessels.
The port is the economic lifeline of the city and the country. Its history is intertwined with Liberia's unusual arrangement as the world's second-largest ship registry — the flags on the vessels anchored offshore tell a story about global finance and tax law as much as they do about Liberian commerce. The waterfront north of downtown is worth walking for the port views and the activity around the river mouth.