Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS), the operator of Terminal 3 at Tema Port, strategically positioned at the geographical centre of the world, precisely at Zero-Est and Zero-West, and 5 degrees north of the equator, has been designated as the First Port of Call for a newly introduced service connecting the Far East to West Africa. This service is poised to make stops at key ports, facilitating efficient trade between the two regions.

As the first port of call for vessels on the Far East service, MPS Terminal 3 provides Ghana’s trade and industry with a distinct advantage – the shortest transit time compared to all other ports in the region.

The maiden voyage of this service is being undertaken by the m/v “MAERSK EDIRNE” boasting a carrying capacity of 13,092 TEUs, an overall length (LOA) of 366 meters, and a width of 48 meters.

Following calls at the Chinese ports of CHIWAN and NANSHA and cargo loading in SINGAPORE, the Maersk Edirne set sail from Malaysia’s TANJUNG PELEPAS port on December 26, 2023, subsequently arriving at MPS Terminal 3 at Tema Port after a mere 20 days on January 16, 2024.

According to Mr. Razak Ngula, Maersk Managing Director for Ghana, this strategic move reflects the burgeoning trade market for Africa. “West Africa is experiencing significant growth in its market, and the deployment of this vessel highlights the fact that we have growing customer needs that demand satisfaction. The upgraded service ensures reliable and shorter transit times between the Far East and Africa, making Tema the gateway to West Africa,” stated Mr. Ngula.

The Maersk Edirne, with a draft of 15.9 meters, carried 8,209 TEUs bound for West Africa, including 5,181 TEUs designated for discharge at MPS Tema. Among these, 1,270 TEUs of transshipment containers were reloaded onto feeder vessels for their final destinations at other regional ports. The total number of containers handled during the vessel stay at MPS Terminal 3 reached 7,492 TEUs, both offloaded and loaded from/to the vessel.

Ms. Eva Kwarteng, Import and Export Manager for Nestle Ghana, expressed enthusiasm after touring the vessel, highlighting the impact on their business. “For us, this essentially means that our supplies for manufacturing will arrive on time, expediting production and sales. The improved capacity and efficiency of MPS Terminal 3 are impressive and commendable for a business dependent on enhanced transport services.”

Mr. Mohamed Samara, CEO of MPS, added that selecting Tema Port as the first port of call for vessels from the Far East holds significant implications for Ghana’s Trade and Industry. “This strategic decision is set to deliver the shortest transit time, reducing shipping costs and enhancing the overall logistics chain”. Explaining that the shortened transit time not only accelerates the movement of goods but also minimizes associated costs, contributing to a more cost-effective and competitive trade environment. “This facilitates quicker turnaround for goods, enabling businesses to operate with increased agility and responsiveness to market demands, fostering growth and competitiveness” was emphasised by Mr. Samara.

Mr. Mohamed Samara, CEO of MPS, emphasised the significant implications of selecting Tema Port as the first port of call for vessels from the Far East on Ghana’s Trade and Industry. He stated, “This strategic decision is poised to deliver the shortest transit time, thereby reducing shipping costs to the Lines and enhancing the overall logistics chain.”

Mr. Samara further explained that the shortened transit time not only expedites the movement of goods but also minimizes associated costs of doing business in Ghana, thereby contributing to a more cost-effective and competitive trade environment. “This facilitates quicker turnaround for goods, enabling businesses in Ghana to operate with increased agility and responsiveness to market demands, fostering growth and competitiveness.”

In essence, the designation of Tema Port as the first port of call not only consolidates the port’s capabilities but also showcases MPS’ key role in propelling economic development through heightened trade efficiency, decreased shipping costs, and an optimised logistics chain. This strategic move is poised to greatly benefit the dynamic Trade and Industry sector in Ghana and neighbouring coastal countries, extending its positive impact to landlocked nations such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. This initiative further solidifies Ghana’s position as a central hub in the global marketplace.