By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Jan. 24, GNA – The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has commissioned a multipurpose vessel, “MV Gordon Anim,” to aid in addressing environmental and operational capabilities of Ghana’s ports.
The vessel, which is christened in honour of a former Director of Tema and Takoradi Ports, was built in Turkey in 2024, with a classification of 470 tonnes gross tonnage, 34.30 m length overall (LOA), with approximate speed of 12 knots, and 10 crew capacity among others.
The versatile vessel is also to ensure safety and sustainability of the country’s maritime domain through its functions, including pollution control as it is equipped to respond quickly to oil spills and other environmental hazards in the water, ensuring that Ghana’s maritime environment remains protected from contamination and degradation.
‘MV Gordon Anim,’ would also be used by the port for search and rescue operations, support the maintenance and repair of port infrastructure such as buoys, docks, and other critical assets, and lift large objects with the fitted crane of 60 tonnes safe working load during salvage operations, among others.
Mr Michael Achagwe Luguje, the Director General of the GPHA, in a speech read on his behalf by Mrs Sandra Opoku, the Director of Tema Port, stated that the commissioning marked an important milestone in the GPHA’s collective efforts to enhance the maritime and logistics infrastructure of the country.
“The addition of MPV Gordon Anim to our fleet is not just a testament to the growth and dynamism of Ghana’s port industry but also a clear reflection of our commitment to improving operational efficiency, fostering economic growth, and strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading maritime hub in the sub-region.”
He called for the renewal of their commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction, adding that the acquiring of the vessel was a step forward in their shared journey toward achieving these goals and positioning Ghana as a maritime gateway to Africa and beyond.
He gave the assurance that the port authority would continue to create an enabling and business-friendly environment to enable its stakeholders and partners to go about their work and business in the most stress-free manner.
The Director General commended Mr Anim for his selfless service to the GPHA during his active years in service, stressing that this should encourage all staff to continue to give off their best in the line of duty.
Mr Anim thanked GPHA for the recognition of his 35 years of service to the company, adding that the honour would inspire him to do more for the maritime sector even in his retirement period.
GNA