The Ministry of Transport has met prospective investors who will help develop the Tema Shipyard and Dry-dock into a world-class facility at a pre-proposal conference.
The Transport Ministry said the move was in line with Section 40 of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Act to solicit a private sector partner to upgrade and develop the shipyard.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, indicated that the pre-proposal conference was part of processes to allow shortlisted firms to seek clarification on issues regarding the bidding process and select a strategic investor for ship repair, fabrication and ship building.
“It is the expectation of Government that the private partner that will selected at the end of the solicitation processes will partner Government to bring about the needed technology and investment that will eventually lead to the *scale up facility at the yard,” he informed.
Mr. Asiamah said that the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Tema Shipyard and Dry-Dock would help in the effective execution of the integrated bauxite and Aluminium project, as well as oil and gas industry.
“Government therefore consider the Shipyard as a strategic national asset and seeks to rehabilitate and upgrade into a modern *equip Shipyard to ensure that it contributes significantly to the integrated bauxite industry as well as the oil and gas industry,”he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Tema Shipyard, has revealed that it is the vision of the Ghana government to transform the Tema Shipyard to world class standard to serve the growing demands of the sea trade and oil & gas industry.
After the departure of Malaysia PSC, the previous investors in the Tema Shipyard, which left the facility in an almost dilapidated state, GPHA has been steering affairs at the Shipyard to keep the company afloat and progressive.
Capt. Micah intimated that if the Shipyard is positioned to serve to its full potential, turnaround time for vessels would increase, revenue would be generated to the state, and vast employment would be created.