Meridian Port Services (MPS) has awarded the second largest contract in the ongoing Port Expansion for Land and Civil works worth $120 million.

The contract was awarded to a consortium formed by EIFFAGE Génie Civil (acting as the leader) and RMT Industrie-und Elektrotechnik GmbH.

At a signing ceremony held in Tema, the CEO of MPS, Mr. Mohamed Samara, outlined details of the agreement. According to Mr. Samara the agreement encompasses the complete Design, Procurement, Delivery and Construction, Testing and Commissioning of:
a) Paving & Utilities Works including earthworks, fencing, gates, drainage systems, water distribution network, IT and Communications ducting and all other ancillary buildings etc.

b) Power SupplyWorks (MV & LV) as well as Power Distribution Network for 12MVA at 20kV including ducting, Bus bar installation, cabling, lighting poles, Reefer racks etc.

He added that EIFFAGE will commence works on January next year, with the whole project expected to last 28 months.

The MPS Head of Construction, Mr Finlo Paish, explained that key elements would include the coordination of the complex service networks under the port, and the design of the structural pavement to take the massive loads which moving loaded containers will create.
Mr. Paish added that Eiffage had chosen many local materials, including 12 km of concrete box culverts, 41km of ducting and 51km of power cabling, for the services distribution and were also planning to use over 43 million locally produced concrete paving blocks for the pavement.

On his part Mr. Christian Combes, Director for Africa of EIFFAGE assured that his company has satisfactorily demonstrated to the MPS Port Project Team that EIFFAGE had sufficient design and construction experience to successfully deliver the project on time for the first container operations in June 2019. “I am therefore confident that EIFFAGE will deliver the desired result of a world class container terminal facility”, he said.

The French Ambassador, H.E. François Pujolas, who was the special guest at the ceremony, commended the Ghana-Europe relations in the area of commerce. He reiterated that it was essential for the Ghanaian government to create such an enabling environment for private foreign investors.

“In the year when we are celebrating 60 years of our relations with Ghana, it is only befitting that such a contract has been signed today. We are here for long term investments and partnerships that will contribute to all sectors of the economy” His Excellency said.
Mr. Charles Sackey, Head of Engineering for Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), who also spoke at the ceremony, highlighted the cordial relationship between MPS and GPHA and recalled similar works that had been done by MPS on its existing terminal. According to him, ‘‘we will team up and make sure the work is executed and completed on time.’’

This momentous investment brings to bear on the economy an increase in direct and indirect employment resulting in the reduction of the unemployed skilled and semi-skilled labour force. This will also generate income for many households and increase the level of financial activities for the local market.

This is in line with MPS core value of commitment to the development of the Ghanaian economy for future generations.

EIFFAGE is the 5th largest construction company in Europe and 12thlargest in the world.It engages in concessions and public-private partnerships, construction and public works through its subsidiaries. It has a century of experience in the African region with a track record of championing world class civil and land works in Dakar, Lomé and Free Town.
EIFFAGE is keen on promoting and creating local employment. The works to be undertaken by EIFFAGE will see the employment of about 1500 Ghanaians from the Tema community.

The expansion project was officially launched in November 2016 and is expected to be fully operational in 2019 as part of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA)’s Master plan for the development of port infrastructure.

Meridian Ports Services is a joint venture between Meridian Port Holdings and the GPHA. Meridian Port Holdings consists of Bolloré Transport and Logistics and APM Terminals as principal investors.