Takoradi Port records 7.1m metric tonnes cargo in 11 months

Takoradi Port has recorded significant achievements in 2024, demonstrating remarkable growth in cargo volumes, cruise ship calls, and transit trade.
The port received a transit vessel laden with approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of bagged rice, marking the first such occurrence in over a decade.
This milestone highlights the port’s enhanced capacity to handle high-volume transit cargo efficiently.

Cargo volumes surge
As of November 2024, Takoradi Port handled an impressive 9.4 million metric tonnes of cargo, a 33.28% increase from the 7.1 million metric tonnes recorded in November 2023.
According to the port’s Director, Mr. Peter Amo-Bediako, this growth underscores the facility’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Import and export performance
Imported cargo volumes reached 2,877,273 metric tonnes, representing an 11.03% increase from 2,591,340 metric tonnes recorded in 2023.
Clinker and gypsum imports accounted for over 70% of this volume, with a combined total of 2,072,490 metric tonnes, up from 1,757,883 metric tonnes last year.

Exported cargo volumes experienced even greater growth, rising by 44% to 6,472,998 metric tonnes from 4,500,570 metric tonnes in 2023.
Key contributors to this surge included manganese, which recorded 4,693,983 metric tonnes, and bauxite, with 1,446,934 metric tonnes.

Transit trade breakthrough
Transit cargo volumes reached an unprecedented 51,086 metric tonnes by November 2024, compared to just 2,247 metric tonnes during the same period in 2023.
This remarkable 2,173.72% increase reflects Takoradi Port’s growing role as a hub for regional trade.
“We remain optimistic that this upward trend will persist in the coming years,” said Mr. Amo-Bediako.

Cruise ship calls double
Cruise ship activity at Takoradi Port also saw substantial growth. By November 2024, the port recorded 14 cruise ship calls, double the seven calls logged by the same time in 2023.
This increase highlights the port’s rising prominence in the tourism sector.

Challenges and declines

Despite these achievements, container traffic and vessel calls declined. Container traffic fell by 11% to 28,257 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) from 31,763 TEUs in 2023.
Similarly, vessel calls decreased by 13.23%, from 801 in 2023 to 695 in 2024.

YILPORT-ATSL Terminal launch
The YILPORT-ATSL container and multipurpose terminal commenced full operations in September 2024.
The arrival of the first container vessel marked a new era in improved container handling services.

Oil and gas services terminal
In November, Takoradi Port inaugurated its oil and gas services terminal, strengthening its position as a key contributor to upstream oil and gas exploration and production in Ghana and West Africa.

Medical diagnostic centre
The port’s state-of-the-art medical diagnostic centre, operational since April 2024, now provides exceptional healthcare services to the port community and surrounding regions.
Plans are underway to introduce a 24-hour pharmacy and an MRI machine to enhance healthcare delivery further.

Future prospects
Looking ahead, Takoradi Port plans to commence operations at the Prime Meridian Dock (PMD) floating dock project, establishing itself as a leading facility for ship repairs and maintenance.
The Genser Energy Cryonic Tank Farm Facility, set to begin operations in 2025, will support gas exports and diversify the port’s service portfolio.
Additionally, the port, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, aims to develop a cruise ship terminal by 2025.
This initiative aligns with the port’s strategic vision to enhance tourism and maritime connectivity.

Optimistic projections
Mr. Amo-Bediako expressed confidence that cargo volumes would increase to 9.8 million metric tonnes in 2025, nearing pre-COVID levels of over 10 million metric tonnes.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustaining growth and innovation in Ghana’s maritime industry,” he stated.
As Takoradi Port continues to enhance its facilities and services, it remains a critical player in Ghana’s economic development and a gateway for trade and tourism in West Africa.