Tema, Ghana’s most important port and logistics hub is to benefit from a $1.5 billion investment from Meridian Port Services. The money will fund the formation of a new Greenfield port outside the present facility, and upgrade the adjacent road network.

The 3.5m TEU capacity Tema project will comprise four deep-water berths, a new breakwater and an access channel able to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.

APM Terminals’ CEO Kim Fejfer, highlighted MPS as an outstanding example of a successful public-private venture between two European partners and the government of Ghana.

In a separate project, APM Terminals and Bolloré Africa Logistics will upgrade the current highway between Accra and Tema to a six-lane modern highway along with improved connecting roads and access point to enhance the movement of cargoes into and out of the port of Tema and the hinterland.

In November 2014, an initial MoU was signed by MPS and the GPHA for the expansion plans. During the past five months, MPS and the Ghanaian government representatives completed contractual details and finalised preparations for the project’s required design and engineering studies. The joint venture share is comprised of APM Terminals 35%; Bolloré 35%; and Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority 30%.

Container throughput at MPS was 651,000 TEU in 2014, and the existing container facility – operated by APM Terminals in partnership with Bolloré since 2004 – is close to maximum utilisation.

Source: Container Management