Takoradi Port, Ghana: Project Shiprite marked a major step forward for Ghana’s maritime sector on 10 November 2026, when government, industry, and project partners gather in Takoradi to mark financial close and the start of works on a new integrated ship repair and maintenance facility at Takoradi Port.
The approximately USD 137 million development will add modern commercial ship repair and dry-docking capacity in the Gulf of Guinea. Once operational, the facility is expected to support up to 430 direct jobs and create opportunities for skills development, local businesses and suppliers. Project Shiprite will be supported by a USD 300,000 grant from PIDG’s technical assistance facility for a 24-month Gender Impact Enhancement Programme. The programme aims to increase women’s participation in the facility’s technical workforce through targeted skills development, professional certification, practical industry exposure, and gender-responsive workplace integration
By bringing suitable repair services closer to vessel operating routes, Project Shiprite is expected to reduce diversion-related fuel use and emissions and support Ghana’s ambition to become a regional maritime services hub.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, officiated at the ceremony. Addressing representatives of Prime Meridian Docks, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, investors, financiers, and other project partners, he said, “Project Shiprite’s floating dry dock was the first project signed under the growth partnership with the United Kingdom, and we proudly announced it five months ago. I am happy that we have been able to bring this project into fruition.”
The ceremony marked 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 upcoming milestone reflects the Partnership’s ambition to unlock investment, support sustainable growth and turn shared commitments into delivery.
H.E. Dr Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana said, “When we launched the Growth Partnership in London, we set out a shared ambition to unlock investment and grow together. Shiprite is a powerful expression of that ambition and of the confidence we share in Ghana’s economic future.”
Stanley Ahorlu, Chief Executive Officer, Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited, said, “Reaching this financing milestone reflects years of work by PMD and our partners. We are now focused on delivering a reliable ship repair facility at Takoradi, developing Ghanaian technical skills and creating opportunities for local businesses. Our ambition is to bring competitive repair services closer to the vessels operating in this region.”
Major General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Director General, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, said: “Project Shiprite advances our objective of opening Ghana’s maritime market to ship repair and maintenance businesses. It will also reduce the long distances vessels currently travel to access reliable shipyards in the northern and southern parts of the African continent. We are confident that the Port of Takoradi will emerge as a leading destination for ship repair and related services in the region. I will leave the project’s technical and commercial details to the PMD Chief Executive Officer and the promoters.”
Gilles Vaes, PIDG Chief Investment and Project Development Officer for InfraCo, said, “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency to inspect progress on this important project. Project Shiprite will deliver world-class dry-docking and repair facilities here in Ghana, delivering economic benefits for Ghana and its neighbours, driving down emissions, and cutting journey times. The initiative is supported by a strong group of local and international investors, including a local pension provider, something which it is hoped will have a positive demonstration effect for other infrastructure projects across West Africa. PIDG is committed to mobilising infrastructure finance to accelerate climate action and sustainable development. We are therefore extremely proud to be working alongside our partners on Project Shiprite to deliver a facility in Takoradi that will position the region as an important maritime hub for the future.”
A Ghanaian-led, internationally supported investment, the project is being developed by Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited under a 25-year concession from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and is backed by a consortium of local and international investors, including the UK co-owned Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). Bringing together Ghanaian institutional capital, development finance and international investment, Project Shiprite demonstrates the scale of partnership needed to deliver strategic infrastructure and long-term economic growth.
