The 22nd China Ferro-alloys International Conference, host ed by Ferro-Alloys.com, will be held on 20 May to 22 May, 2026 in Beijing city, China. We sincerely invite you jointly explore the development ferroalloys trend in 2026.  Why Attend?

[Ferro-Alloys.com] Largest bulk carrier docks at port Takoradi of Ghana

Ghana has recorded a significant milestone in its maritime and extractive industries with the successful berthing of the largest bulk carrier ever to dock at the Port of Takoradi.

The 300,000 deadweight tonne (DWT) capesize vessel, MV CSB Years, was formally inaugurated and welcomed on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, through a joint effort by Ghana Manganese Company (GMC), COSCO Shipping Lines, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

The vessel’s arrival aligns with GMC’s ambitious target to achieve 10 million tonnes of manganese production and exports by 2026. It is expected to significantly increase bulk shipment volumes through Takoradi, boost GPHA’s export revenues and contribute to Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings.

This development positions Port Takoradi as a strategic hub for bulk mineral exports in the sub-region and reinforces Ghana’s competitiveness in the global manganese market.

Ahead of the vessel’s arrival, GMC sponsored selected GPHA marine operations staff – including harbour pilots – to China for advanced simulation and berthing training. The programme replicated the hydraulics, mechanics and navigational characteristics of capesize vessels, ensuring safe and predictable operations at the port.

In addition, GPHA developed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the vessel’s berthing and loading, further strengthening safety standards and operational efficiency.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Managing Director-GMC Sun Yuanwei described the berthing as a transformational moment for Ghana’s mining logistics.

“This marks the beginning of a new era for our operations and for Ghana’s maritime infrastructure,” he said. “The achievement reflects years of coordinated investment, technical preparation and international collaboration.”

He added that the successful operation demonstrates Ghana’s readiness to handle ultra-large vessels and complex industrial logistics under local command.

The Director-Port Takoradi, Captain James Richmond Quayson, said this successful berthing confirms the port’s enhanced capacity following years of strategic investment.

“This is not only a milestone for GMC and COSCO Shipping Lines, but a defining moment for Port Takoradi and the entire maritime industry of Ghana,” he noted.

Captain Quayson attributed the achievement largely to the Port Expansion Programme launched in 2015, which has transformed Takoradi into the largest dry bulk port in the sub-region.

He highlighted the impact of the modern conveyor ship-loading system commissioned in 2022, explaining that vessels of this size previously had to remain offshore for up to 21 days for trans-shipment.

“Today, such vessels can be loaded within five days – significantly improving turnaround time and cost efficiency. This gearless vessel is being loaded entirely by Ghanaian engineers and technicians,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of rail transport in sustaining bulk cargo operations, describing it as the most efficient and environmentally sustainable means of transporting large volumes of minerals to the port.

Meanwhile, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, called for sustained investment in rail infrastructure and closer alignment between port expansion and regional development planning to maximise the economic benefits of such projects.

• [Editor:tianyawei]