China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is dredging the old section of Ghana’s Tema Port to depths of up to 14 metres, with the work supporting a new bulk-clinker berth as imports increase.
The project began in September 2025 and involves about 2.8 million cubic metres of material, Xinhua reported on October 1. To excavate hard rock, CHEC has deployed Tiankun, a cutter suction dredger.
CHEC country manager Liu Jing told Xinhua that the vessel also conveys excavated rock ashore through its transport system for reclamation.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) said in September that berth 13 had reached 14 metres and berth 14 had reached 12 metres, enabling cement firms to accommodate bigger ships.
GPHA said in March that berths 12 and 13 were being dredged to 14 metres chart datum, and berths 14 and 15 to 12 metres.
Tema Port Harbour Master Bramwell Tawiah told Xinhua: “With more growth in the economy, we began to see more competitors and an increase in clinker imports, which prompted us to re-strategize by developing a new berth for bulk clinker imports.”
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said in March that depth restrictions had forced some clinker and cement vessels to discharge part of their cargo at Takoradi before continuing to Tema, contributing to congestion and delays.
In September, the government also agreed to temporarily allocate another berth, aiming to clear the clinker backlog and cut demurrage.
GPHA said inadequate or delayed trucking could leave a berth occupied for three to four weeks by a ship loaded with about 40,000 tonnes of clinker.
Tema Port’s 2020 expansion phase included a separate basin with a 1,000-metre wharf, three berths and a quay-side depth of 16.9 metres.