Takoradi Bunker Terminal Construction Begins in Hopes of Creating New West African Bunkering Hub

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday May 2, 2016

Construction of a marine gas oil tank terminal at Ghana's Takoradi Port has begun amid hopes that the port will become the new bunkering hub within the West African sub-region.

Media reports suggest the lack of bunkering services at the Takoradi Port are forcing visiting vessels to travel to Nigeria or Cote d'Ivoire for refueling - a reality that Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), who is funding the project, is looking to change.

"We will provide the vessels the same high level quality that we give to our clients to ensure we become a one-stop port where vessels would always want to be serviced," said J.B. Tagoe, Technical and Special Products Marketing Manager at GOIL.

"GOIL is poised to take over the bunkering business in the West African sub-region and quality would be key in our operations."

In addition to increased revenues for GOIL and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), both companies are reported to have hopes that the terminal project will lead to reduced operational costs for shipping companies operating within the region.

"A lot of vessels are knocking on the doors of the GPHA to be able to carry out bunkering services at the Takoradi Port and we hope the contractors working on the project will be able to finish on time," said Captain Ebenezer Afedzi, acting Director of the Takoradi Port.

Afedzi says he hopes that the project will enable Ghana to provide bunkering services to ships at competitive prices compared to other ports within the West African sub-region.

It is reported that construction on the terminal project is being headed up by South African firm Murray and Roberts Holdings Ltd., with commercial operations slated to begin by the end of 2016.

In 2014, Ship & Bunker reported that a planned $1.5 billion expansion of Ghana's Port of Tema would make it the largest port in West Africa.