News Content

AMPT JV to build US$1.5 billion, 3.5 million TEU Ghana box shop

MAERSK's standalone port operator APM Terminals (AMPT), together with Bollore Africa Logistics and the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, will build a 3.5 million TEU capacity box port in Tema 30 kilometres from Accra.

"Despite recent challenges, Ghana is a success story as a country. Well-educated, skilled people, stable and business-oriented government ?and therefore an obvious choice for APM Terminals to create a new, stronger gateway," said the APMT statement.

The US$1.5 billion facility will include four deepwater berths, with a dredged access channel for the biggest ships afloat, said the statement.

Also budgeted by the joint venture company Meridian Port Services (MPS), are funds to upgrade roads around the terminal as well transforming the Accra-Tema route into a six-lane highway with on and off ramps to facilitate cargo movement throughout the hinterland.

Said APMT chief executive Kim Fejfer: "This investment highlights the confidence of investors in the country. It is a sign that Ghana is moving in the right direction and the journey will not end there."

Shared 35 per cent by APMT, 35 per cent by Bollore and 30 per cent by Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, MPS handled 651,000 TEU in 2014 at its existing container facility, which is close to maximum utilisation.

"Expanding the port using superior infrastructure and modern, advanced technology will allow Ghanaian companies to compete for business in the most cost effective way," said Mr Fejfer.

"Increased access to global markets is a key component of Africa's ongoing economic growth, and the new, world-class port development which begins here today will help to put Ghana, and all of West Africa at the forefront of African global trade," he said,

"Containership industry analysts have estimated overall African containerised cargo handling to have increased by 7.2 per cent in 2014, as compared with an overall global growth rate of 5.4 per cent. African port container volumes are forecast to continue to increase well above the global market," said the APMT statement.