Ghana Maritime Authority Champions JIT Sailing for Greener Port Operations
The Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, has disclosed the importance of Ghana’s ports in the global green transition, urging stakeholders to embrace the Just-In-Time (JIT) Sailing Project as a practical step toward reducing emissions and boosting efficiency.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day workshop at Meridian Port service (MPS) Terminal 3 last Wednesday, Dr Ali emphasised that the maritime industry is aggressively moving forward with decarbonisation, guided by the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy to reach net-zero by 2050.
“Ports are important players in the maritime value chain,” he said, adding that the JIT initiative is designed to make port operations highly efficient and effective, with the overall goal of reducing carbon footprints.
Dr Ali explained that implementing JIT would not only cut costs but also reduce emissions at the national level. He expressed hope that the workshop would sharpen the skills of stakeholders and be rolled out across organisations, while stating the need to future-proof operations by making renewables and green shore power available.
The International Maritime Organisation Regional Coordinator for West & Central Africa, Capt Dallas Laryea, reinforced the DG’s message, noting that port call optimisation delivers immediate benefits without waiting for future technologies.
He highlighted that reducing vessel waiting times could lower fuel consumption, cut emissions, improve schedule reliability, and enhance competitiveness.
Harbour Master of Tema Port, Capt Bramwell Tawiah, speaking on behalf of the Director of Port, echoed the urgency of operational reform. He observed that as the global economy expands, vessel emissions rise, demanding innovative solutions.
“The Just-In-Time concept provides a practical framework to reduce vessel emissions while also improving port efficiency through shorter ship turnaround times,” he stated.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
