The Takoradi Port recorded an increase in port traffic from 8.2 million metric tons (mt) in 2018 to 9.9 million mt in 2019, representing an increase of 21 per cent in total port traffic. It also registered an increase of 43 per cent in exports.
The port however, recorded 13 per cent decrease in imports, 21 per
cent decrease in transshipment and 26 per cent in transit. Vessel calls to the
port also decreased by 206 from 1,712 in 2018, to 1,506 in 2019.
Captain Ebenezer Afadzi, the Director of Takoradi Port, made this
known at a press soiree organised by the port management in Takoradi, to
interact, inform and educate stakeholders about the development of the
port.
He said despite the increase in commercial vessel calls from 645
in 2018, to 743 in 2019, oil supply vessel calls decreased from 1,067 calls in
2018, to 793 in 2019.
He mentioned that the
situation was, however, set to change in the year 2020 with a lot of activities
expected in the oil and gas fields.
Port Expansion
He pointed out that with
regards to the Takoradi Port expansion programme – significant milestones had
been achieved under the various projects and developments in the port.
He disclosed that the
construction of the 800 metre quay wall had been completed and installed with
48 fenders and 28 bollards.
“Discussions are still on
course to ensure the installation of a 3,000mt/hr capacity conveyor system to
ensure cost efficient service delivery,” he said.
New Container Terminal
He added that in August 2019,
the first quay block was positioned to signal commencement of work on a new
container terminal and added that all things being equal, 600 metres of the
quay wall would be completed come November 2020.
New Oil
Jetty
The Director of Takoradi port
noted that so far 95 per cent of the first phase of new oil jetty facility had
been completed.
He added that the second phase
of the project, which was currently ongoing, involved the installation of a
firefighting system, a pigging system, heat tracing line and metring.
Proposed Oil &
Gas Hub
He revealed that the Ghana
Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) was in discussions with a private partner,
Redsea Gateway Terminal Services (RSGT) for the development of the oil and gas
hub at the port.
“The contract will involve the
reclamation of 28 acres of land at the former cocoa wharf, construction of 550
metre quay wall with berth pockets dredged to -9m,” he added.
He mentioned that the hub when completed would pave the way for increased efficiency in the handling of oil supply vessels operating on Ghana’s oil fields and beyond.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi
