The Ghanaian ports of Tema and Takoradi are expected to handle more than 1M TEU this year, almost 12% more containers than 2013.
Both gateway and transit cargo for landlocked countries, including Niger, are rising despite the uncertainties affecting West Africa’s trades as a consequence of the Ebola virus and with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) investing in its cargo handling facilities, there is significant optimism.
Speaking to the local newspaper Business and Financial Times Online, Paul Ansah-Asare, GPHA’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, said: “The bright prospects are due to the consistent surge in container traffic to the two ports over the past four years and our ongoing expansion projects, including dredging channels from a current depth of 12m to 16m to accommodate more and especially larger vessels.”
Over the past three years many liner shipping companies serving West Africa, particularly from Asia, have phased in bigger ships. Maersk Line, CMA CGM, MSC, NYK Line and even specialist operators, such as Nile Dutch Africa Line, have replaced units in the 1,800 TEU to 2,500 TEU range with vessels of 3,500 TEU to 4,500 TEU.
The GPHA is keen to have the facilities in place to handle these ships and hopes to commence work on Tema’s second-phase expansion programme next year. Currently, the port authority is reviewing technical and financial bids from seven companies for the project, which could cost up to US$1.5B.
In addition, the GPHA is reviewing bids submitted by prospective operators of the new container, ro-ro and cruise terminals that are being built as part of the second phase of the port’s expansion programme.
The existing container terminal in Tema is managed by Bollore Africa Logistics under a 20 year operating concession awarded in 2007.
At Takoradi, the main breakwater is being extended and facilities for handling bulk and containers expanded.
“We are hopeful that the ongoing expansion project will enable the ports to accommodate the increasing surge in container and other cargo traffic,; said Ansah-Asare. “With the GPHA close to handling about 1M TEU currently, our best estimates show that we could handle 2M TEU by 2028.”
According to the GPHA, the two seaports handled 894,362 TEUs in 2013, with Tema processing 94% (841,989 TEU) of the total.
You just read one of our articles for free
To continue reading, subscribe to WorldCargo News
By subscribing you will have:
- Access to all regular and exclusive content
- Discount on selected events
- Full access to the entire digital archive
- 10x per year Digital Magazine
SUBSCRIBE or, if you are already a member Log In
Having problems logging in? Call +31(0)10 280 1000 or send an email to customerdesk@worldcargonews.com.
