Takoradi Port to Host West Africa’s Largest Bulk Carrier in Historic Maritime Milestone

Takoradi is set to witness a historic moment in West Africa’s maritime and shipping industry as the largest bulk carrier ever to berth at a port in the sub-region arrives at the Port of Takoradi later this month.

The Ghana Manganese Company (GMC), in collaboration with Cosco Shipping Lines and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has announced plans to hold an inauguration and welcome ceremony to commemorate the arrival of the vessel, MV CBS Years, a 300,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) bulk carrier. The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Takoradi Port.

The arrival of the MV CBS Years marks a significant milestone not only for GMC but also for Ghana’s maritime sector, positioning the Port of Takoradi as a strategic hub capable of handling cape-size vessels of global standards. It is the first time such a large vessel has berthed in West African waters.

According to GMC, the vessel’s call at Takoradi represents a major business and operational turning point for the company, in line with its ambitious target of achieving 10 million tonnes in exports by 2026. The development is expected to substantially increase bulk export shipments through the Takoradi Port, translating into higher export revenues for the GPHA and enhanced foreign exchange earnings for the country.

In preparation for the vessel’s arrival, extensive technical and safety measures have been undertaken to ensure smooth and secure berthing and cargo operations. GMC sponsored selected marine operations staff of the GPHA, including pilots, to China to undergo advanced simulation and berthing exercises.

These exercises were specifically designed to replicate the hydrodynamic and navigational conditions associated with cape-size vessels, enabling Ghanaian pilots to safely manage the vessel under local command.

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has also developed a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide the handling of the vessel while in port.

In addition, GMC and GPHA jointly engaged a third-party firm to conduct a detailed risk assessment, including digital simulation of berthing and unberthing manoeuvres. This process incorporates real-time Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveillance to monitor the vessel’s operations and enhance overall safety.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to attract senior government officials, captains of industry, international shipping partners, and key stakeholders from the maritime, mining, and logistics sectors.

Organisers say the event will serve not only as a celebration of the historic call but also as a demonstration of Ghana’s growing capacity in infrastructure development, professional competence, skills transfer, and cross-sector collaboration.

GMC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to sustainable national economic growth, noting that the successful handling of the MV CBS Years underscores the company’s role in strengthening Ghana’s export-led development agenda and enhancing the global competitiveness of the country’s ports.

The arrival of the vessel is widely seen as a bold statement of confidence in Ghana’s port infrastructure and operational readiness, further consolidating Takoradi’s status as a key gateway for bulk exports in West Africa.

 

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

The post Takoradi Port to Host West Africa’s Largest Bulk Carrier in Historic Maritime Milestone appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story