The Port of Takoradi, a deepsea port located in western Ghana, is undergoing a major expansion and infrastructure upgrade to increase its handling capacity.
Owned by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the port serves both naval and commercial operations.
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The Takoradi port expansion project is aimed at accommodating larger vessels and increasing the port’s cargo handling and storage capacity.
The $450m expansion project was announced by GPHA in July 2009 and the works have been divided into two phases. Construction on the phase one began in December 2013 and was completed in 2016, while the phase two works commenced in May 2018.
The project is being funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Port of Takoradi background
The deepsea port was opened in April 1928 to provide import and export cargo handling services in the region. Built with three berths and a Lee Breakwater, the port was capable of handling one million tonnes of cargo a year.
The port experienced congestion from 1949 due to increasing import and export trade, economic development, and industrial expansion in the country, calling for the expansion of the port.
Expansion was carried out by Taylor Woodrow Engineering Company during 1951-1956, which included extension of Lee Breakwater and construction of additional three berths, Bauxite wharf with aerial ropeway system, oil wharf, a passenger terminal, and Transit sheds 4, 5 and 6.
The port suffered a setback due to deteriorated cargo handling facilities and outdated cargo equipment in 1983 due to lack of maintenance. A major, two-phase rehabilitation project was initiated to address the concerns at the port in 1986 and was concluded in May 1995.
The harbour also underwent another $250m expansion in 2002 to incorporate modern facilities.
Takoradi Port expansion details
The latest expansion of the Takoradi port includes dredging of access channel to 16m, extension of the existing main breakwater to 1.708km northward, construction of a bulk berth with a depth of 16m, and construction of oil and gas services terminal.
Works also include construction of open storage area for oilfield plant and machinery, construction of dual access roads to the port, electrical installations, and 53,000ha of land reclamation.
A multi-purpose bulk terminal/jetty is also proposed to be built to cater to the future demand, as part of GPHA’s wider development plan. It will be capable of handling up to one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and will have a container quay of 16m draft, enough to accommodate bigger vessels.
Additionally, a 300,000TEU container terminal with ship-to-shore cranes and a transit shed for the storage of bagged cargo will be built as part of the expansion.
Benefits of Takoradi Port expansion
The expanded facilities and capacity will allow the Takoradi port to meet the increasing international trade.
The project will also improve the country’s trading, and increase employment opportunities, as well as enhance harbour performance and port environmental management.
Contractors involved with Takoradi Port expansion
Jan De Nul (JDN) was awarded a contract to construct the additional breakwater, the bulk jetty, the dredging and backfilling at the Takoradi port in 2012.
Viking/Halliburton Company was selected for the construction of storage facilities and delivery of services to oil supply vessels. The storage facilities will be built on the former tug wharf area, which was leased by the company from GPHA Takoradi.
The Ministry of Finance validated the concession agreement by GPHA and Messrs IBISTEK for the development and operation of the multi-purpose terminal in May 2018.
