Tema Port secures additional berth to ease cement clinker backlog

The Ghanaian government has secured an additional berth at Tema Port to address a significant backlog of clinker vessels. Ships carrying the essential raw material for cement production had been idling offshore for more than 30 days, leading to high demurrage costs for manufacturers.

The Ghana Cement Manufacturers Association warned that these rising operational expenses, driven by vessel delays, were contributing to increased retail cement prices across the country. The congestion at Tema Port was exacerbated by a reduction in functional berths, which had fallen from seven to two.

In response to these concerns, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) clarified that port congestion is not the sole driver of rising cement prices, citing various operational and commercial factors. The GPHA noted that berth allocation must also account for hygiene and safety, requiring the separation of food-related cargo from cement operations.

To support the industry, the GPHA has completed dredging works in the bulk cargo section, creating deeper berths that allow for larger vessels. These improvements are intended to provide cement companies with better economies of scale by accommodating increased cargo volumes and deeper vessel drafts.