Meridian Port Services targets port expansion

Meridian Port Services (MPS), operator of the main container terminal complex at Tema Port, has given strong indications of expanding the port to accommodate increasing volumes of containers.

The expansion project when commenced will involve the reclamation of land from the sea to create more space.

Alhaji Asoma Banda, Board Chairman of MPS, disclosed this during the inauguration of port handling equipment procured by MPS to ease the congestion at the port and also speed up the process of handling containers in Tema. He said the shareholders of MPS are ready to commit resources into the intended expansion project.

The equipment, valued at 50 million dollars, includes nine Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTGs) cranes, two giant Ship to Shore (STS) cranes, a mobile harbour crane, and a 4MW power plant to provide back-up energy supply to ensure uninterrupted services.

He said MPS was committed to developing the port to be the best in the West African sub- region and the whole of West Africa.

Alhaji Banda said procurement of the cranes and power plant marks the second phase of the company’s investment in cutting-edge technology at the port.

He described the company’s investment in technology and equipment as very positive, as it is reducing the hitherto long hours spent in handling containers.

He said Ghanaians and other nationals doing business in Ghana recognise the importance of Tema Port, hence the need for more investment in facilities.

“MPS will continue to be a leader in port handling in West Africa and even beyond,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed Samara, Chief Executive Officer, MPS, said underdeveloped infrastructure is the leading cause of high cost of doing business.

He said MPS is keen on addressing the infrastructural challenges affecting the port, hence the huge investment into facilities.

Mr. Samara described the inauguration as a landmark achievement as it tied into the government’s Better Ghana agenda.

The President, John Dramani Mahama who inaugurated the equipment, commended the management of MPS for investing in projects aimed at transforming Tema Port.

MPS, one of the top container terminal operators in Africa, is a partnership between Ghana Ports and Habours Authority and Meridian Port Holdings -- which in turn is a joint venture with Bollore Africa Logistics and APM Terminals as principal investors, and the leading container terminal operators in the world.