Ghana opens US$137M floating dock at Takoradi Port
The shipyard will offer ship repairs to operators who now sail up to 5,500 kilometres for such work.
At the Port of Takoradi, Ghana has launched the Prime Meridian Floating Dock project, a US$137 million shipyard. Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited developed it under a 25-year concession from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, according to the project's developers. Some maritime operators in the region currently travel up to 5,500 kilometres to get vessels repaired.
The project has reached financial close, and the African Development Bank is contributing to its funding. The facility will have a 13,500-tonne lifting capacity, a 200-metre jetty, a modern workshop, offices and heavy marine equipment. Once operational, it is expected to create up to 430 direct jobs.
The yard will serve most offshore supply vessels, tugs, barges and mid-sized cargo ships in the Gulf of Guinea, but not very large crude carriers or large container vessels. Winning a steady flow of contracts will depend on equipment availability, turnaround times, operating costs and attracting international customers. Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire offer regional alternatives, so pricing will decide whether vessels divert to Takoradi.
Why it mattersShipping operators in the Gulf of Guinea who now travel up to 5,500 kilometres for vessel repairs will gain a closer option once the 430 jobs and 13,500-tonne dock are in service.