Construction of a US$137 million ship repair and maintenance facility at the Takoradi Port is expected to begin following a ceremony on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to mark the project’s financial close and commencement of works.

The Project Shiprite facility is expected to provide modern commercial ship repair and dry-docking services in the Gulf of Guinea, bringing such services closer to vessels operating in the region. When operational, the project is expected to support up to 430 directLPPP jobs and create opportunities for skills development, local businesses and suppliers.

The project is being developed by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited under a 25-year concession from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

Chief Executive Officer of Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, Stanley Ahorlu, said the company was focused on delivering a reliable facility while developing local technical skills.

“Reaching this financing milestone reflects years of work by PMD and our partners. We are now focused on delivering a reliable ship repair facility at Takoradi, developing Ghanaian technical skills and creating opportunities for local businesses. Our ambition is to bring competitive repair services closer to the vessels operating in this region,” he said.

Director-General of the GPHA, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, said the project would support Ghana’s objective of expanding its maritime services market.

“Project Shiprite advances our objective of opening Ghana’s maritime market to ship repair and maintenance businesses. It will also reduce the long distances vessels currently travel to access reliable shipyards in the northern and southern parts of the African continent,” he said.

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, described the investment as an expression of the shared economic ambitions of Ghana and the United Kingdom.

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“When we launched the Growth Partnership in London, we set out a shared ambition to unlock investment and grow together. Shiprite is a powerful expression of that ambition and of the confidence we share in Ghana’s economic future,” he said.

The facility is also expected to reduce fuel use and emissions associated with vessels travelling long distances to access ship repair services.

In addition, the development will receive a US$300,000 grant from the PIDG Technical Assistance facility for a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme aimed at increasing women’s participation in the technical workforce through skills development, professional certification, practical industry exposure and workplace integration.

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the ceremony alongside the Minister of Transport, representatives of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, investors, financiers and other project partners.

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Project Shiprite was highlighted as a flagship maritime investment during the signing of the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership in June 2026.

The facility will be operated by Rigmar Ghana Limited, part of the Interocean Group, which is serving as the project’s technical partner.

AS/MA

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