Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) is gearing up to roll out Phase 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project, marking another significant milestone in the project’s development. The expansion project aims to enhance the capacity and infrastructure of the Tema Port to meet the growing demands of trade and connectivity.

MPS has finalized the necessary arrangements to commence Phase 2, which involves significant civil works and construction activities. The project will be executed in collaboration with EIFFAGE Génie Civil Marine SA and De Simone Ltd, both renowned companies with extensive experience in delivering top-quality infrastructure solutions.

The selection of EIFFAGE Génie Civil Marine SA and De Simone Ltd for this phase builds upon their successful completion of Phase 1 and the pavement works for the 4^th Berth of the Tema Port Expansion Project. Their demonstrated expertise and value provided in previous projects were key factors in their appointment for Phase 2.

The focus of Phase 2 is on paving a substantial area measuring 270,000 square meters, utilizing 14 million pavement blocks of the highest industry standards. This meticulous paving effort ensures the necessary stability required to accommodate heavy cranes operating within the area. Furthermore, the project includes the installation of 16 Km of cable conduits and 5.5 Km of drainage pipes, supporting the operational yard and expanding the terminal’s holding capacity from 80 hectares to 120 hectares.

The project will be executed under a FIDIC Yellow Book (design and build) Lump Sum Contract. It is scheduled to commence on June 19, 2023, and is expected to be completed by September 2025.

During the contract finalization meeting held on June 1, 2023, Mr. Laurent Guilbaud, Deputy CEO for EIFFAGE Génie Civil Marine SA, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with MPS once again. He affirmed the joint venture’s commitment to meeting all expectations and delivering the project within the designated timeframe.

“With our combined local and international expertise, we are confident in our ability to successfully execute Phase 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project. We are proud to contribute to the development of this crucial national infrastructure,” stated Mr. Laurent Guilbaud.

Mr. Mohamed Samara, CEO of Meridian Port Services Ltd, highlighted MPS’s unwavering dedication to realizing its vision of providing Ghana and West Africa with a cutting-edge trade connectivity platform.

“To meet the future trade facilitation needs, establishing efficient and robust infrastructure is paramount. The Tema Port Expansion Project plays a pivotal role in creating a dedicated maritime gateway and hub in the West African region. We firmly believe that Ghana’s Tema Port is exceptionally positioned to fulfil this mission,” stated Mr. Mohamed Samara.

In alignment with its Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI) objectives and inspired by the launch of the 2023 Green Ghana Day, MPS plans to collaborate with the construction companies to undertake a phased tree planting exercise. This initiative aims to plant 1000 trees along the beach and within the terminal, contributing to environmental sustainability.

The execution of Phase 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project will generate significant employment opportunities for the Ghanaian construction workforce, empowering them with enhanced skills for future endeavours. MPS remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering regional trade growth and establishing a state-of-the-art trade connectivity platform for Ghana and West Africa.

The Shareholders of MPS, Meridian Port Holding (MPH) and Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority (GPHA), are resolute in their pursuit of excellence, collaboration, and responsible practices to ensure that our infrastructure initiatives have a lasting positive impact on trade connectivity and regional development.

The shareholders of Meridian Port Holding, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and APM Terminals, are firmly committed to infrastructure development in Ghana, driven by the vision of creating a robust, interconnected, and sustainable marine infrastructure network. They firmly believe that by investing in port infrastructure, we can unlock Ghana’s full potential as a trade and economic powerhouse in the sub-region and beyond.

Mr Samara particularised that, at MPS, we firmly believe that infrastructure development must be pursued with a long-term perspective, taking into account sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. Our shareholders are committed to adhering to internationally recognized best practices, ensuring that infrastructure projects are executed with the utmost care for environmental and social considerations. We will actively seek to collaborate with all stakeholders and development partners to ensure that the Tema Port infrastructure initiatives yield tangible benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Moreover, our commitment to infrastructure development extends beyond national borders. We recognize that regional connectivity plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, enhancing regional integration, and fostering socio-economic development. As such, we will actively explore opportunities to partner with neighbouring countries to develop cross-trade routes, enabling seamless movement of goods, services, and people.