Shippers, freight forwarders and other stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector on 3rd June, 2019 embarked on a tour of the new MPS Terminal in the Port of Tema to familiarise themselves with operational procedures before it officially opens for business on 28th June, 2019.
The tour which was organised by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in collaboration with the Meridian Port Services (MPS) drew participation from about 300 representatives from trade associations such as the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Abossey-Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, Ghana Chamber of Commerce among others.
In a welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Ms Benonita Bismarck said it was expected that the transition from the old terminal to the new one would introduce some changes in the cargo flow processes, particularly for domestic and transit cargo within the new facility.
“It is in the light of this, that the Authority in collaboration with MPS has rallied all key stakeholders to acquaint themselves with the new operational procedures and thereby adjust their expectations of improvements in service delivery by MPS.”, she explained.
She assured the shipping public of the GSA’s commitment to continue upholding an efficient mechanism for the negotiation of port tariffs per LI 2190 to ensure that there is certainty and predictability regarding tariffs and costs within the shipping industry.
Ms Bismarck giving a welcome address after the port tour
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of MPS, Mr Mohamed Samara said the new terminal facility will among other benefits, improve vessel turnaround time, reduce congestion and also boost the economy of Ghana through trade facilitation.
“We are creating new trade, connectivity and routes to new markets in West Africa. Basically, we are adding value to the shipping lines, exporters and importers, in the region and overall to the country”, he added.
The Acting Director of the Tema Port, Mrs Sandra Opoku appealed to shippers and other stakeholders not to hesitate to call on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) for redress on any challenge they face with the usage of the new port facility.
A section of the stakeholders listening to the presentation of the CEO of MPS after the port tour
The new terminal with two berths has a draft of 16m which can accommodate the world’s largest vessels. The third new berth will be operational in the first quarter of 2020 ahead of the scheduled completion in June 2020. This will be followed by a fourth berth bringing the quay length to 1,400m.
