Ghana is set to begin construction of a major US$137 million ship repair and maintenance facility at the Takoradi Port in the Western Region, in a strategic investment expected to strengthen the country’s maritime industry and create hundreds of employment opportunities.
The project, known as Project Shiprite, represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s ambition to become a leading maritime services hub in West Africa and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
The official ceremony to mark the financial close and commencement of construction is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Takoradi. The event will bring together government officials, investors, industry leaders and international development partners.
Project Shiprite was first highlighted as a flagship maritime investment in June 2026 during the signing of the UK–Ghana Growth Partnership, which seeks to promote investment, infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth.
Project Shiprite to Create 430 Jobs in Ghana
The US$137 million ship repair and maintenance facility will introduce modern commercial ship repair and dry-docking infrastructure at the Takoradi Port.
When completed and operational, the facility is expected to create approximately 430 direct jobs, while generating additional business opportunities for local suppliers, contractors and service providers.
The investment will also support technical skills development and provide employment opportunities for Ghanaian professionals in the maritime, engineering and ship maintenance industries.
Another major benefit of the project is its potential to reduce the distance vessels currently travel to access reliable ship repair facilities in northern and southern Africa.
By bringing specialised ship maintenance services closer to major shipping routes, Project Shiprite is expected to position Takoradi Port as a competitive destination for international shipping companies seeking repair and maintenance services.
The facility is also expected to reduce unnecessary vessel diversions, fuel consumption and carbon emissions, supporting more environmentally sustainable maritime transportation.
PIDG Provides US$300,000 Grant to Promote Women’s Participation
As part of its commitment to inclusive economic development, Project Shiprite will benefit from a US$300,000 grant provided through the Technical Assistance facility of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).
The funding will support a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme designed to increase women’s participation in the facility’s technical workforce.
The initiative will focus on professional skills development, industry certification, practical workplace experience and gender-responsive workplace integration.
Through the programme, more women are expected to gain access to technical employment opportunities within Ghana’s growing maritime and ship repair industry.
President Mahama Expected at Project Shiprite Ceremony
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the November 10 ceremony alongside the Minister of Transport and representatives of Prime Meridian Docks, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), investors, financiers and other project partners.
The event will officially mark the transition of Project Shiprite from its planning and investment mobilisation stages into construction and implementation.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, described the investment as a strong demonstration of the shared commitment between Ghana and the United Kingdom to promote economic growth and attract strategic investments.
“When we launched the Growth Partnership in London, we set out a shared ambition to unlock investment and grow together. Shiprite is a powerful expression of that ambition and of the confidence we share in Ghana’s economic future,” he stated.
Prime Meridian Docks Speaks on Takoradi Ship Repair Investment
The Chief Executive Officer of Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, Stanley Ahorlu, said reaching the financial milestone was the result of several years of work by the company and its partners.
He explained that the immediate priority was to deliver a reliable and competitive ship repair facility at Takoradi while developing Ghanaian technical expertise and creating opportunities for local businesses.
According to him, the project is designed to bring internationally competitive ship repair services closer to vessels operating within the Gulf of Guinea.
GPHA Says Project Shiprite Will Transform Ghana’s Maritime Industry
The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, said the investment would advance efforts to open Ghana’s maritime market to ship repair and maintenance businesses.
He noted that the facility would reduce the long distances vessels currently travel to access dependable shipyards elsewhere on the African continent.
He expressed confidence that the Port of Takoradi would become a leading regional destination for ship repair, dry-docking and related maritime services.
PIDG Highlights Economic and Environmental Benefits
Gilles Vaes, PIDG’s Chief Investment and Project Development Officer for InfraCo, described Project Shiprite as an important investment that would deliver modern dry-docking and ship repair infrastructure in Ghana.
He said the facility would generate economic benefits for Ghana and neighbouring countries while reducing vessel travel times and emissions.
Vaes added that PIDG was proud to work with its partners to develop a facility that would strengthen Takoradi’s position as an important maritime hub for the future.
Ghanaian-Led Investment Backed by International Partners
Project Shiprite is being developed by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited under a 25-year concession agreement with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
The project is supported by a consortium of local and international investors, including the UK co-owned Private Infrastructure Development Group.
The investment brings together Ghanaian institutional capital, international financing and development finance to deliver strategic maritime infrastructure.
Its development also reflects the objectives of the UK–Ghana Growth Partnership, which seeks to attract investment, strengthen infrastructure and translate bilateral economic commitments into practical development projects.
When completed, Project Shiprite is expected to enhance Ghana’s maritime infrastructure, create employment, promote technical training, support local businesses and establish Takoradi Port as a major ship repair and maintenance destination in the Gulf of Guinea.
Source: newsthemegh.com