In a landmark celebration of maritime innovation and international partnership, Meridian Port Services Ltd. (MPS) proudly hosted the official naming ceremony of Pacific International Lines (PIL)’s newest vessel, Kota Odyssey, at the state-of-the-art MPS Terminal 3 at Tema Port.

The event marked a historic moment in Ghana’s maritime journey, featuring the nation’s growing role as a strategic logistics hub in West Africa.

In her keynote address, Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the symbolic significance of the occasion, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership and fruitful collaboration.

“This ceremony reflects a vision realized, a partnership between Ghana and Singapore that continues to flourish through trade, technology, and shared values. Singapore’s maritime expertise offers valuable lessons for the growth of our own sector,” Her Excellency stated.

Kota Odyssey, the latest addition to PIL’s fleet of 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, is equipped with advanced methane-reduction technology, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize shipping. The vessel will operate on PIL’s Southwest Africa Service (SWS), enhancing trade connectivity between Asia and West Africa and further reinforcing Ghana’s position as a gateway to regional commerce.

Mr. Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, explained the rationale for choosing Tema for the vessel’s naming:

“We chose to name Kota Odyssey in Ghana not only to honour our long-standing presence here but to reaffirm our commitment to investing in the region. This vessel represents our future; cleaner, smarter, and more connected.” Mr. Kastrup said.

Welcoming dignitaries, the CEO of MPS, Mr. Mohamed Samara, noted that today, with the naming of Kota Odyssey, we are doing more than welcoming a vessel. We are celebrating progress, partnership, and the future of maritime trade. The arrival of Kota Odyssey is not just another call at Tema Port; it is a milestone, a symbol of excellence, and a powerful reminder of how far we have come together.

“As we welcome Kota Odyssey, we renew our promise to deliver speed, safety, transparency, reliability, and predictability—shaping the future of Ghana’s maritime gateway. Our mission is bold yet simple: to deliver efficient, reliable, and innovative port services to all stakeholders.” reaffirmed The CEO of MPS.

With a touch of humour, Mr. Samara added, while the name Kota Odyssey may at first sound Ghanaian, it is in fact borrowed from Ancient Greek. Odyssey speaks of a great journey; full of adventure, resilience, and triumph. A fitting name for a vessel destined to sail boldly across the seas.

The Honourable Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, commended PIL’s investment in sustainable shipping and emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

“This vessel’s LNG dual-fuel design aligns with our national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The construction and equipping of this world-class facility was initiated by H.E. President John Mahama in 2015, and now under His Excellency’s leadership, we are repositioning Ghana’s maritime sector as a cornerstone of our 24-hour economy,” Hon. Nikpe stated.

The Hon. Minister further invited global shipping lines to consider Ghana as a preferred destination for their maritime operations, assuring them of efficient service delivery and a supportive regulatory environment.

Mr. Samara also highlighted the transformative role of MPS Terminal 3 is more than West Africa’s largest container terminal; it is a logistics ECOSYSTEM, blending world-class infrastructure with full digital connectivity. With the launch of West Africa’s first fleet of electric container-handling equipment and terminal trucks, we are setting new standards in efficiency and sustainability.

The ceremony also reflected the strong alignment between the Shareholders of MPS and Ghana’s national development goals. Through strategic investments and operational excellence, MPS continues to drive a thriving maritime infrastructure that supports trade, job creation, and economic growth.