GPHA takes over PSC Tema shipyard
The Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) has officially taken over the management of the PSC Tema Shipyard.
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It has subsequently appointed Captain Francis Kwesi Micah (retd) as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the restructuring of the facility.
Until his appointment as acting CEO, Capt. Micah was Marine Services Manager of the GPHA. He is expected to spearhead the shipyard’s revamping process.
Following the takeover, the GHPA has beefed up security at the shipyard to facilitate the installation of floodlights at designated points to improve illumination at the facility ahead of commencement of operations.
Blueprint
The Director of Port at the GPHA, Mr Jacob Kobla Adorkor, told the Daily Graphic that Capt Micah, who previously managed the GPHA’s Drydock and Slipway facility at the Takoradi Port, had been tasked to develop a blueprint to get the facility to run at full capacity.
The PSC Shipyard has the potential to increase revenue for the government as well as create direct and indirect jobs. The shipyard has two graving docks of a 100,000 deadweight (dwt) and a 150 tonnage slipway facility capable of servicing vessels of various sizes, offshore operating facilities, oil tankers and rigs.
“In the port and harbours industry, having a drydock is an added advantage, since vessels calling at the port could be serviced, thus making the port a one-stop shop for all kinds of services,” Mr Adorkor said.
The shipyard’s strategic importance to the port, Mr Adorkor pointed out, could not be underestimated, especially with oil production activities underway in the country.
Transport Ministry
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Joyce Bawa-Mogtari, in a separate interview, also pointed out that the shipyard had the potential to increase the country’s domestic economy.
She expressed regret about the unavailability of logistics for vessel repair works as well as adequate licensing regime for workers, resulting in several vessels pulling out of contracts which, hitherto, could have raked enough revenue for the facility.
“I am, however, hopeful that the facility would bounce back to its former glory,” she said.
Writer’s email: della.russel@graphic.com.gh