Tema Port, MPS Terminal 3, 12^th July 2024 – Meridian Port Services Ltd. (MPS) hosted senior executives from major shipping lines for the quarterly stakeholders’ engagement to discuss market trends, significant events, and future plans. This session offered a comprehensive review of key milestones, ongoing projects, and upgrades.

The Liner Executives received an in-depth presentation on volume growth and impact in the first half of 2024. Discussions covered gateway and transhipment traffic flow, and terminal productivity. The executives also inspected newly deployed technologies in action.

The MPS management team unveiled significant projects and upcoming key milestones. Held at the MPS Terminal 3 training centre, “The Meridian Hall,” guests toured the cutting-edge Equipment Simulator and sophisticated training centre. They then moved to the quayside to inspect the newly commissioned Shore-Tension Devices in full operation, which one Managing Director described as “a valuable insight.”

The simulator replicates the functionality of various port equipment, enabling operators to refine their skills, improve response times, and enhance overall performance. This investment tallies with MPS’s dedication to workforce development and operational excellence.

The MPS management team reassured stakeholders of their commitment to enhancing customer experience through efficiency and safety, marked by the installation of a shore tension mechanism and the acquisition of a state-of-the-art equipment simulator. This was demonstrated by the company’s continued investment in infrastructure and superstructure expansions.

Explaining the Shore-Tension mechanism, MPS COO Mr. Curtiss Dakpogan said, “The new shore tension mechanism, designed to secure vessels at berth, is an innovative system that enhances the safety of mooring operations and ensures smooth and uninterrupted vessel servicing. By maintaining constant tension on mooring lines, it minimizes the risk of vessel movement caused by external factors such as high waves, swells, and high winds, reducing potential delays and improving operational reliability.”

“We are excited to share these significant developments with our partners,” said Mr. Mohamed Samara, CEO of MPS. “The installation of the Shore-Tension devices and the acquisition of the equipment simulator are key milestones in our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our port operations. These advancements reflect our commitment to providing world-class service to our clients and maintaining our position as a leader in the maritime industry.”

Mr. Samara also mentioned plans to upgrade the power plant from 12MVA to 24.5MVA by the end of 2025, in preparation for the arrival of additional cranes.

The engagement concluded with the handover of 2.5 hectares of completed yard space by the Project team to the MPS Operations Team. Project Manager Mr. Abdoul-Rachid Alfa-Traore noted, “This move further increases the terminal’s existing capacity. The handed-over portion is part of the first section of Phase 2, expected to be completed by October 2024.”

Mr. Greg Le Roux, Project Manager of the contracted Joint Venture EIFFAGE-De-SIMONE, elaborated on the robust design criteria for the terminal and significant advancements in delivering the sub-base, base, and pavement materials, along with all structures and electrical systems.

Mr. Ernest Lartey, Project Manager of AECOM, stated that the second phase of the project is designed to be an improved version of the first phase. “Our motto for the project is ‘THE BEST IS GETTING BETTER’ We have implemented upgrades to all systems and procedures deployed in the first phase and ensured the inclusion of numerous green initiatives.”

The senior executives from participating liner services were visibly impressed with the operational enhancements and recognized the positive impact on vessel turnaround and overall terminal efficiency.

MPS remains committed to delivering efficient and reliable services to the maritime industry. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on innovation, MPS plays a vital role in facilitating global trade and contributing to regional economic growth.