DHV to build fishing ports in Ghana

Construction will start in this summer and is due to be completed in 2017. The new harbours will improve the standard of living of Ghanaians in the coastal provinces and lead to a more durable way of fish consumption. The cost of construction project is approximately US$200m. Ghana is financing the construction work by means of loans from China. Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority earlier contracted DHV to produce the master plans and designs for the ports.

Ben Reeskamp, DHV’s director of ports and waterways said, “Together with the local population we examined their needs and the places where the ports could best be built. This provided the basis for making the designs and preparing the contract documents.”

Ghana’s coastline is 539 km long and very inhospitable. Approximately 20% of the population relies on fishing or fishing related activity. Loading and unloading currently take place on beaches. Fishing boats and canoes cannot always cope with the heavy waves.

Mr Reeskamp said building the ports will provide better protection for the boats. It will also be possible to load and unload hygienically in the lee of a breakwater. Cold stores will enable the fish to be stored much longer and give Ghana’s economy a significant boost.

Land will be reclaimed and quays and breakwaters will be built in the new port areas.