The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced a number of measures to reduce congestion at the Tema Port following a surge in clinker imports by cement manufacturing companies.
The Minister made the announcement after visiting the Tema Port together with the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to assess the factors contributing to delays in the discharge of clinker shipments at Ghana’s major seaport.
Tema Port Adds Berth to Speed Up Clinker Discharge
According to Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has completed dredging works on three berths allocated to cement manufacturers.
He disclosed that a fourth berth is also being added as a temporary measure to increase the port’s capacity and facilitate the faster discharge of clinker from vessels.
The move is expected to help address delays associated with the increasing volume of clinker imports and improve the efficiency of port operations at Tema.
Cement Companies Encouraged to Secure Holding Areas
The Transport Minister said cement manufacturers would be encouraged to secure holding and storage areas close to the Tema Port.
Such facilities would allow companies to evacuate discharged clinker more quickly and free up space at the port for incoming shipments.
The government is also considering the Port of Takoradi as an alternative facility for clinker imports.
Using other port infrastructure could help distribute cargo volumes, ease pressure on the Tema Port and reduce the risk of additional demurrage charges caused by delays in vessel discharge and cargo evacuation.
Scheduling System Planned for Cement Manufacturers
Minister Nikpe further announced plans to introduce a vessel scheduling system for cement manufacturers.
The proposed system would regulate the arrival of vessels carrying clinker and prevent multiple shipments from reaching the port at the same time.
Authorities believe better coordination of vessel arrivals will help improve port traffic management, reduce congestion and ensure that clinker cargo is discharged and evacuated more efficiently.
Government Targets Improved Port Efficiency
The Transport Ministry said efforts will continue to improve operational efficiency at the Port of Tema and address challenges associated with increasing cargo volumes.
The measures are expected to support smoother clinker imports into Ghana, reduce delays for cement manufacturers and minimise the financial burden associated with port congestion and demurrage.
The government’s intervention is also aimed at ensuring that Ghana’s port infrastructure can effectively handle growing demand while supporting the cement industry, trade and economic activity.
Source: newsthemegh.com