Takoradi Port records growth in cargo volume

Takoradi Port saw growth in total cargo volume last year, with imported cargo reaching 2,877,273 metric tonnes by November 2024 – an 11.03 percent increase from 2,591,340 metric tonnes in the same period of 2023.

“Over 70 percent of this import volume was driven by clinker and gypsum imports, with a combined total volume of 2,072,490 metric tonnes as of November 2024 compared to 1,757,883 metric tonnes recorded in the same period the previous year,” Peter Amo Bediako, Director- Takoradi Port said.

According to him, exported cargo volume as at the end of November 2024 was 6,472,998 metric tonnes compared to 4,500,570 metric tonnes recorded for the same period in 2023; representing a growth rate of 44 percent.

This was led mainly by manganese at 4,693,983 metric tonnes and bauxite, 1,446,934 metric tonnes as at the end of November 2024, compared to 2,981,365 and 1,083,104 metric tonnes respectively of these two commodities recorded in the same period last year, he said.

Also, at the end of November 2024, transit cargo volume reached 51,086 metric tonnes, in stark contrast to the 2,247 metric tonnes recorded during the same period of 2023.

This achievement, he pointed out, reflects a remarkable growth rate of 2,173.52 percent in Transit Trade cargo volume.

“We remain optimistic that this upward trend in transit cargo will persist in the years ahead,” he added.

Explaining further, he said: “Last year, we achieved a significant milestone by receiving a transit vessel laden with approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of bagged rice; the first of such occurrence in over a decade. This cargo was discharged efficiently within an acceptable turnaround time, demonstrating the port’s capacity to handle high-volume transit cargo with precision and expedience”.

Commenting on cruise-ship calls at the port, Mr. Bediako mentioned that it recorded 100 percent growth as the number of cruise-vessel calls increased from seven at the end of November 2023 to 14 as at end-November 2024.

“These achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, but most importantly they reflect the positive brand image generated by the professional coverage and reportage by media,” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted a decline in Container Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) traffic last year. Total traffic as of end-November 2024 stood at 28,257 TEUs, down from 31,763 TEUs during the same period in 2023, representing an 11 percent reduction.

Similarly, Mr. Bediako revealed a decline in vessel calls last year, with a total of 695 recorded by the end of November 2024 compared to 801 during the same period in 2023. This represents a 13.23 percent decrease.

“On September 4th, 2024, the YILPORT-ATSL Container and Multipurpose Terminal commenced full commercial operations. The first container vessel’s arrival marked a significant milestone, heralding a new era of improved container handling services at Port Takoradi,” said the Director.

He disclosed that the Oil and Gas Services Terminal inaugurated in November last year has positioned Port Takoradi as a key contributor to supporting upstream oil & gas exploration and production operations in Ghana and West Africa.

Outlook for 2025

On his expectations for 2025, he said he is looking forward to many promising developments: including operationalisation of the Oil and Gas Services Terminal and start of the Prime Meridian Dock (PMD’s) Floating Dock Project, which is poised to establish the port as a leading facility for ship repairs and maintenance, including off-shore supply vessels.

He said the Genser Energy Cryonic Tank Farm Facility is also expected to commence operations in 2025. The facility will support gas exports, further diversifying the port’s portfolio of services and strengthening its contribution to domestic energy export.

“In 2025, under the Ghana Tourism Authority’s auspices, we anticipate receiving proposals for developing a cruise-ship or passenger terminal through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. This initiative is consistent with our strategic vision to enhance tourism and maritime connectivity within Ghana,” Mr. Bediako concluded.