Construction works are set to begin on a new $137 million integrated ship repair and maintenance facility at Takoradi Port in Ghana's Western Region. The project, named "Project Shiprite," is a flagship maritime investment that will mark a major step forward for Ghana's maritime sector. The facility will add modern commercial ship repair and dry-docking capacity in the Gulf of Guinea, supporting up to 430 direct jobs and creating opportunities for skills development, local businesses, and suppliers.
The new facility will reduce the long distances vessels currently travel to access reliable shipyards in the northern and southern parts of the African continent. This will make the Port of Takoradi a leading destination for ship repair and related services in the region. By bringing ship repair services closer to vessel operating routes, the project is expected to reduce diversion-related fuel use and emissions. This aligns with Ghana's ambition to become a regional maritime services hub.
The project will receive a $300,000 grant from Private Infrastructure Development Group's (PIDG) Technical Assistance facility for a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme. The programme aims to support greater participation by women in the facility's technical workforce through skills development, professional certification, and practical industry exposure. This initiative will promote gender-responsive workplace integration and create opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the ceremony marking the start of construction, alongside the Minister of Transport and representatives of Prime Meridian Docks, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, investors, financiers, and other project partners. The ceremony will mark the project's transition from planning and investment mobilisation towards construction and delivery. Project Shiprite was highlighted as a flagship maritime investment at the signing of the UK–Ghana Growth Partnership in June 2026.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, expressed confidence in Ghana's economic future, stating that Project Shiprite is a powerful expression of the ambition to unlock investment and grow together. The Chief Executive Officer of Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, Stanley Ahorlu, said that reaching the financing milestone reflects years of work by PMD and its partners. The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, noted that Project Shiprite advances the objective of opening Ghana's maritime market to ship repair and maintenance businesses.
Gilles Vaes, PIDG Chief Investment and Project Development Officer for InfraCo, stated that Project Shiprite will deliver world-class dry-docking and repair facilities in Ghana, driving economic benefits and reducing emissions. The project is a Ghanaian-led, internationally supported investment, developed by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited under a 25-year concession from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. It is backed by a consortium of local and international investors, including the UK co-owned PIDG.
The project demonstrates the scale of partnership needed to deliver strategic infrastructure and long-term economic growth. With the start of construction, Ghana's maritime sector is poised to benefit from a new era of growth and development. The integrated ship repair and maintenance facility will position the region as an important maritime hub for the future, driving economic benefits and sustainable growth.
Key points
- The project will support up to 430 direct jobs and create opportunities for skills development, local businesses, and suppliers.
- The facility will reduce diversion-related fuel use and emissions by bringing ship repair services closer to vessel operating routes.
- The project includes a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme to promote greater participation by women in the facility's technical workforce.
