Port of Tema (Ghana) advances port call optimization to improve efficiency and reduce emissions
Port of Tema advances port call optimization to improve efficiency and reduce emissions
Improving the way ships arrive at and depart from ports can reduce waiting times, improve operational efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. These opportunities were the focus of a three-day workshop at Port of Tema, where the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Meridian Port Services (MPS), customs, immigration and port health authorities, shipping lines and other maritime stakeholders worked together to identify practical improvements to port call processes.
The workshop was organized under the ongoing collaboration between the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GreenVoyage2050 Programme and the Government of Ghana to support the implementation of the country’s maritime decarbonization priorities.
By improving terminal berth processes on both arrival and departure, vessels can reduce unnecessary time spent in port and gain greater flexibility to optimize speed on the next voyage.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the GMA, underlined Ghana’s commitment to climate action:
“As Ghana advances its maritime decarbonization ambitions in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, we are committed to identifying practical measures that deliver real results. Improving port call processes is one such measure, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing operational efficiency and supporting sustainable growth.”
Identifying opportunities for improvement
Over three days, participants mapped the vessel arrival and departure process. On arrival, this included the process from the moment a vessel secures its first line at berth, to the start of cargo operations. On departure, the process was mapped from the moment the pilot is ordered until the last line is released.
The exercise helped define the current situation, identify bottlenecks and highlight opportunities for improvement. Participants identified both quick wins that can be implemented in the short term and longer-term improvements requiring broader coordination among stakeholders.
A key conclusion was that port call optimization is not only a technology challenge. While digital systems and data exchange are important, many of the biggest gains can be achieved through improved coordination, clearer responsibilities and stronger collaboration between stakeholders involved in each port call. Capt. Bramwell Tawiah, Harbour Master of the Port of Tema welcomed the workshop and reaffirmed GPHA’s commitment to taking the work forward.
“The Just In Time concept provides a practical framework to reduce vessel emissions while also improving port efficiency through shorter ship turnaround times. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority remains resolute in its commitment to this programme. We will continue to collaborate closely with all partners and stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of this week lead to tangible improvements in efficiency and service delivery.”
A second workshop is planned for August 2026 to focus on implementation. Participants will develop practical actions, test new ways of working and prepare a roadmap for rolling out improvements across port operations.
Collaboration across the maritime community
Mohammed Samara, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Port Services, reflected on the broader significance of the project:
“The IMO GreenVoyage2050 Programme provides a critical platform for countries like Ghana to accelerate maritime decarbonization while improving operational performance. By bringing all stakeholders together around the port call process, the programme delivers value not only to MPS but to the entire supply chain. The greatest impact will come as more ports adopt Just In Time, allowing shipping lines to synchronise operations across multiple ports and extend the benefits well beyond Tema.”
The work at the Port of Tema builds on the IMO’s Low Carbon Global Industry Alliance (Low Carbon GIA) work on port call optimization and Just-In-Time sailing, as well as similar activities at Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Malaysia. Lessons from Tema will help inform future port call optimization and Just In Time sailing activities under IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme, while also supporting the development of Ghana’s National Action Plan for greener shipping.
About GreenVoyage2050
GreenVoyage2050 is the International Maritime Organization’s flagship technical cooperation programme supporting developing countries in turning the ambitions of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy into practical action.
Now in its second phase (2024–2030), the programme supports countries through technical assistance, policy development, capacity-building and pilot initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping and advancing maritime decarbonization.
GreenVoyage2050 is funded by the Governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, with additional financial support provided through the International Maritime Organization’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).
