The Port of Tema has been significantly transformed by the Tema Port Expansion Project, a Build, Operate and Transfer (BoT) Project between Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Meridian Port Services Ltd. With the completion and operationalization of the 1^st phase and the commencement of the 2^nd Phase of the Project, there has been a significant increase in the capacity of the Port of Tema with Four (4) New Berths at Terminal 3 offering the opportunity for vessels with a draft of up to 16 meters berthing at Terminal 3.

The 24 hours services rendered at Terminal, 3 backed by the well-organized Truck Appointment System (TAS) have significantly enhanced the ease of doing business in Terminal 3 and further boosted the efficiency and image of the Port of Tema.

Security of transactions at Terminal 3 has been reinforced by the introduction of E-Invoicing, E-Payments, Access Control Systems, License Plate Recognition Systems, CCTV Cameras, X-Ray Scanners for both Imports and Exports, and Radio Frequency Identification Systems.

Indeed, many were those who doubted that the introduction of these systems would work in Ghana. But they have been pleasantly surprised as the stakeholders of Truckers, Customs Officials, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Immigration Officers, among many others have all been successfully onboarded onto these systems and are using same with ease.  The integration of all these systems with the ICUMS system to enhance the Paperless Port Processes have been very successful at Terminal 3.

MPS has also handed back to GPHA the 2 berths of over 11 meters draft and a sizable yard capacity stretching over 247,000 m² of fully paved area at Terminal 2.  This has given GPHA the opportunity to transform Terminal 2 to a multi-purpose Terminal to handle deeper drafted vessels with many different kinds of cargo including general cargo vessels, bagged cargo, RoRo, dry bulk, liquid bulk etc.

Undoubtedly, the port of Tema is recognized as one of the burgeoning hubs within the West African sub-region.

In its quest to secure Tema Port as the Hub of West Africa, Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) continues to invest into the development of the Tema Port with additional facilities and infrastructure.

The company has commenced the construction of a Harbour Craft Jetty alongside preparations for the operationalization of the yard behind its 4^th new berth.

The Chief Executive Officer of MPS, Mr. Mohamed Samara emphasized the need for the developments being undertaken.

“We are excited to note that the Ministry of Trade has launched a National Policy Framework Plan for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and announced an action plan to boost Ghana’s trading prospects.

As the government focuses on its policy framework, MPS’ continued investments in the Port of Tema will complement Government’s efforts to position the Tema Port to become more competitive in the sub-region. Again, MPS anticipates an increase in volumes (both gateway and transhipment) as such, we have committed to increasing the yard storage and handling capacity to complement gearing up the 4^th New berth with the latest gantry cranes.

Moreover, the development of the jetty to provide a docking place for harbour craft at Terminal 3 will allow the Pilots and Tugboats to respond in record time upon completion of the vessel operations. It is expected that the reduction in response time will provide a better turnaround time for vessels at berthing and departure and  enhance security at Terminal 3.”

Transhipment Trade Highlights

Following a resumption in the transhipment trade with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) between the Far East and South America, MPS has handled a total of 16,038 TEUs discharged from 8 different vessels from the Far East and loaded on 3 different vessels to Brazil.

With the combined strength of the various departments, MPS has from 25^th June 2022 to 31^st July 2022 continuously improving productivity levels as evidenced on the transhipment vessel with a productivity in the range 125 Moves Per Hour.

The month of July also saw the unique occurrence of having 3 MSC vessels that were handled simultaneously on all the three berths.

MPS through its shareholders has since 2017 invested over 1.2 billion USD in the areas of infrastructure, technology, human resource development and other areas resulting in increased cargo volumes and positioning of the port as the most preferred in the West African sub-region.

Source & Photo : MPS