The $137 million dock will have a 13,500-tonne lift capacity, a 200-meter jetty, workshops, offices, and heavy marine equipment at the end of its construction under the Project Shiprite, the newspaper says.
Approximately $94 million was raised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Development Bank (AfDB), the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, and the Petra Pension Schemes.
Work will be carried out by PMD Assetco, a Ghanaian ship repair company employed under a concession contract by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
“With the achievement of this milestone, the project nicknamed ‘Project Shiprite’ has secured the full commitment of all the providers of the USD137 million in capital that is required,” an Afreximbank statement said.
The AfDB’s Director for Infrastructure, Cities, and Urban Development, Mike Salawou, said over 500 new jobs are expected to be created.
“Of which more than 15% will be reserved for youth and women, the socio-economic impact of Project Shiprite is a compelling proposition for the bank.”
The project’s lead sponsor, Mr. Stanley Raja Korshie Ahorlu, said: “PMD Assetco is poised to commence the construction of both the civil works and the floating dock and looks forward to entering the market to support shipowners in the region as international shipping works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
GIK/as/APA