Terminal 3 in the Port of Tema, Ghana, has become Africa’s first port of call for the new Maersk FEW3 service, which connects all major West African ports to significant Asian ports.
The service will reportedly provide Ghanaian commerce and industry a considerable edge, with the quickest transit time among all other ports in the area.
The first journey was made by Maersk Edirne, which has a carrying capacity of 13,092 TEU, an overall length (LOA) of 366 metres, and a width of 48 metres.
Following visits at the Chinese ports of Chiwan and Nansha, as well as cargo loading at Singapore, the Maersk Edirne set sail from Malaysia’s Tanjung Pelepas port on 26 December 2023, and arrived at Terminal 3, Tema Port barely 20 days later on 16 January 2024.
Terminal 3 is operated by MPS, a joint venture between Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Meridian Port Holdings Limited (30 per cent), which is, in turn, a joint venture with Africa Global Logistics (35 per cent) and APM Terminals (APMT) – 35 per cent.
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The 7,128 TEU from/to Maersk Edirne were reportedly unloaded and loaded in 5,109 trips, including Hatch-Covers.
Among them, 1,270 TEU of transshipment containers were reloaded onto feeder vessels for eventual destinations in various regional ports. According to APMT, the vessel achieved an astounding 169.92 Berths Moved Per Hour (BMPH), setting a new record.
Muhammad Rashid, Planning Manager, Meridian Ports Services Ltd., attributed the success to effective coordination with the lines’ global stowage team, resulting in optimal crane intensity.
He emphasized strategic planning, which enabled a balanced crane-split and flexibility in deploying Ship-To-Shore (STS) gantry cranes during the call.
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Rashid highlighted the elimination of waiting time at anchorage, with operations commencing just 37 minutes after all-fast.
Eva Kwarteng, Import and Export Manager for Nestle Ghana, highlighted: “This essentially means that our supplies for manufacturing will arrive on time, expediting production and sales. The improved capacity and efficiency of MPS Terminal 3 are impressive and commendable for a business dependent on enhanced transport services.”
Mohamed Samara, CEO of Meridian Ports Services Ltd., added: “This strategic decision is set to deliver the shortest transit time, reducing shipping costs and enhancing the overall logistics chain. This facilitates quicker turnaround for goods, enabling businesses to operate with increased agility and responsiveness to market demands, fostering growth and competitiveness.”
In November 2023, the Ghanian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, formally opened the second phase of the Tema Port Expansion Project.
