By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a clear demonstration of its unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone, Karpowership, the global leader in floating power generation, has reaffirmed its support to the country and its people despite mounting financial strain caused by prolonged non-payment for electricity and fuel supplies.
In a Press Release issued on June 10, 2025, the company reiterated that since beginning operations in 2018, it has consistently stood by the Government and citizens of Sierra Leone, even during times of acute economic difficulty, ensuring the provision of reliable and uninterrupted electricity.
Karpowership’s unique floating power ship technology has proven invaluable to Sierra Leone’s energy security. Delivering land-based plant-level technology at sea, the Turkish-based firm has helped bridge the country’s power deficit with speed, flexibility and cost efficiency. However, the company revealed that for over two years, it has not received payments for capacity fees and, for the past six months, no payments have been made for the fuel required to run its ships.
Despite those serious setbacks, Karpowership emphasized that it remains committed to minimizing disruption for Sierra Leoneans. Rather than cutting power entirely, the company has scaled down generation from 50 megawatts to 6 megawatts; enough to sustain critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and water pumping stations.
In January 2025, high-level meetings between Karpowership and Government representatives were held in Istanbul to resolve the growing financial arrears. Those meetings resulted in a mutually agreed payment plan endorsed by the Ministry of Finance, the Chairman of the Energy Sector and the Director-General of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The agreed plan was a reflection of Karpowership’s goodwill, as it did not even fully account for all the outstanding debt.
Unfortunately, the Government of Sierra Leone failed to meet its obligations from the outset. Payment requests for the January installment, issued on February 25, went unanswered. Subsequent visits by Karpowership’s commercial team to Sierra Leone and repeated reminders sent in April yielded only verbal assurances, with no tangible financial action taken. The lack of payment has now severely constrained Karpowership’s ability to procure the fuel necessary to maintain full generation levels.
After exhausting all diplomatic and operational options, Karpowership issued a formal suspension notice on May 28, 2025, requesting that at least 30% of the arrears be paid immediately to avoid full shutdown. While reducing generation, the company has remained sensitive to the plight of ordinary Sierra Leoneans and is maintaining supply to essential services.
“Our team remains ready for dialogue,” the release stated. “We are hopeful that this situation can be resolved promptly. Karpowership is proud to be a partner in Sierra Leone’s energy future and stands committed to supporting the country’s development.”
The Ministry of Energy has confirmed that effective midnight on June 12, 2025, electricity supply to Freetown will be reduced due to Karpowership’s decision to implement load reduction measures following unpaid bills. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Ministry emphasized that President Julius Maada Bio has instructed urgent steps to mitigate the impact of the power shortfall on Freetown residents.
The Ministry assured the public that the reduced power supply will be managed through strategic load shedding to protect critical sectors. In addition, it highlighted ongoing reforms at EDSA aimed at achieving financial and technical sustainability in the country’s energy sector.
While regretting the inconvenience caused by load shedding, the Ministry expressed gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone for their patience and understanding. It noted that negotiations with Karpowership for a short-term contract extension were underway, though complicated by the outstanding debt.
Observers note that Karpowership’s restraint in completely halting supply and its willingness to maintain emergency levels of electricity demonstrate a sincere commitment to the people of Sierra Leone. As financial pressures mount, the company’s patience and partnership model continue to stand out in a sector often plagued by volatility and uncertainty.
Karpowership has once again shown that it is not merely a power provider but a reliable development partner for Sierra Leone. Its decision to maintain a lifeline supply during such challenging times underscores a humanitarian commitment rarely seen in the international energy landscape.
Now, the ball lies firmly in the court of the Government of Sierra Leone; to honor its commitments and work with Karpowership to restore full power generation. The citizens of Freetown and, indeed the nation, deserve no less.
