Business News of 2013-03-01

Meridian port services installs power plant at Tema Port

A new power plant to mitigate power outages and ensure uninterrupted power for terminal operations at the Tema Harbour has been inaugurated by Meridian Port Services (MPS), operators of the main container terminal complex at the port. The four-megawatt plant, designed by Parking, UK, assembled locally and powered by four robust engines, costs US$2.5 million.

Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday, Alhaji Asoma Banda, the Chairman of MPS, said the plant would address the power outages which were affecting the efficient and effective running of the MPS Terminal at the port and also forestall delays.

“We are committed to generating value for our customers. We believe this will be best achieved through investment in our strategic priorities. This investment is very much needed by MPS for its customers and all port users, specifically shipping lines,” he said. He disclosed that MPS was again investing in the port’s expansion to ensure smooth operations.

“This investment is part of the $50 million development plan we embarked on last year, with the aim of keeping up with the industry’s vessel growth in capacity and volumes,” he said. The MPS, he said, had invested in seven additional reachstackers and empty handlers, top of the range Gottwald Mobile Harbour Crane, two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, nine rugged tyre gantry (RTG) cranes and a very sophisticated computer tracking solution called Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) which provides improved container location accuracy on our platform in good time.

“In essence, this investment demonstrates our shareholders’ commitment, not only to Tema Port but Ghana in ensuring that the country continues to enjoy positive growth and becomes Africa’s model maritime nation,” he emphasised.

Mr. Mohamed Samara, Chief Executive Officer, MPS, said in recent years the company had brought new standards of speed and efficiency into container handling services.

“We take a lead in all areas and aim for continued improvement in everything we do,” he stated.