Management of the Takoradi Port has strongly refuted allegations of congestion affecting the discharge of clinker, a critical raw material in cement production. According to port authorities, operations remain smooth and efficient, with no delays in handling vessels carrying clinker.
The response follows concerns raised by the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers Ghana (COCMAG) during a recent meeting with the Minister of Trade. The association reportedly cited congestion at both Takoradi and Tema ports as a major operational challenge. COCMAG argued that delays in offloading clinker have led to increased demurrage costs, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher cement prices.
However, officials at Takoradi Port insist that such claims do not reflect the current situation on the ground. A visit to the port’s dry bulk terminal showed clinker being discharged seamlessly and loaded directly onto trucks for onward transportation to manufacturing facilities.
Mr. Robert Opoku, Port Operations and Monitoring Manager, attributed the port’s efficiency to significant infrastructural investments and modernization efforts. He explained that the development of new terminal facilities equipped with advanced automated systems has substantially enhanced productivity and turnaround times.
“The issue of congestion is non-existent here,” Mr. Opoku stated, emphasizing that vessels docking at the port are handled promptly and within scheduled timelines.
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He further highlighted the port’s upgraded capacity, noting that it now has a draft depth of 16 meters, enabling it to receive larger bulk carriers. The recent arrival of the 300,000-tonne vessel, MV CBS Years, underscores the port’s expanded operational capabilities.
In addition, the port now boasts an 800-meter quay length, allowing it to accommodate up to three vessels—each exceeding 200 meters in length—simultaneously at the newly constructed terminal. With a loading rate of 2,500 tonnes per hour, the facility is well-positioned to handle increasing cargo volumes efficiently.
Clinker and bauxite remain key commodities processed at the port, with clinker accounting for more than 30 percent of total cargo traffic. Management credits sustained investment by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for the improved operational performance.
Despite defending the port’s efficiency, Mr. Opoku urged cement manufacturers to streamline their internal logistics, particularly truck dispatch systems, to avoid unnecessary demurrage costs. He noted that enhanced coordination between shipping schedules and inland transport would further optimize the supply chain and minimize operational expenses.
Tags: #Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
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