Takoradi Port To Make History With Arrival Of Largest Bulk Carrier Ever To Berth In West Africa

Ghana’s maritime sector is set to reach a historic milestone on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, when the largest bulk carrier ever to call at a port in West Africa arrives at the Port of Takoradi.

The vessel, MV CBS Years, has a carrying capacity of 300,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) and will be formally welcomed during an inauguration and reception ceremony jointly organised by the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC), Cosco Shipping Lines, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

In a statement signed by Kofi Gyetsua Ankuma, GMC’s Port HR and Administrative Superintendent, the company said the vessel’s arrival marked a major business turning point for GMC and supports its 10-million target for 2026.

The statement said the arrival of the vessel is expected to increase bulk exports through the Takoradi Port, which would also boost export revenue for GPHA and Ghana’s economy.

Industry observers have described the vessel’s call as a major milestone for the port, saying it supports GMC’s export growth plans for 2026.

They believe it will strengthen Takoradi’s ability to handle large bulk shipments and improve Ghana’s position in regional maritime trade.

Ahead of the vessel’s arrival, GMC and GPHA carried out extensive technical and operational preparations to ensure safe berthing and cargo handling.

As part of these efforts, selected GPHA marine operations personnel, including pilots, were sponsored to China to undergo advanced simulation and berthing training.

The statement explained that the training was designed to match the hydrodynamic and navigational needs of cape-size vessels, allowing for safe, controlled and predictable berthing and loading operations at the Takoradi Port.

GPHA also prepared a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide the vessel’s operations during its stay.

In addition, GMC and GPHA engaged an independent third-party firm to conduct risk assessments, including digital simulations of berthing and unberthing manoeuvres.

The statement added that real-time UAV surveillance will be used to monitor the vessel’s movement and operations during its stay at the port.

The inauguration and welcome ceremony is expected to bring together senior government officials, industry leaders, international shipping partners and key stakeholders from across the maritime and logistics sectors.

References: GNA, starrfm

Source: Maritime Shipping News