The nation needs to deploy comprehensive sustainable solutions to end environmental challenges presented by the shipping industry, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has said.

She explained that for decades, the shipping industry had been a silent contributor to environmental degradation with the heavy fuel used in ships releasing high levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxide, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

The CEO said there was clear evidence in Tema where emissions from vessels, cargo handling activities and general port operations had negatively impacted on air quality and public health.

She was speaking at a Port Effectiveness and Public Private Cooperation (PEPP II) conference in Accra, 

Potential

Prof. Klutse said the country holds great potential in leading the way in Africa’s transition to sustainable maritime practices.

However, she said the transition would require bold actions, strategic investment and a strong policy framework to align with the International Maritime Organisation’s goal of reducing global shipping emissions by 50 per cent in 2025.

“This means that we must promote the use of low-sulphur fuel, liquified natural gas, biofuels and hydrogen-based fuel.

“As regulators, we must establish stricter environmental compliance standards to ensure that all vessels calling at our ports meet international emission reduction targets,” she said.

The CEO, however, said that regulations alone was not enough, and that the country must create incentives such as tax holidays, green financing and subsidies to encourage shipping companies to adopt green technologies and sustainable practices.

Collaboration

The acting Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, underscored the need for strong collaboration with other stakeholders within the maritime industry to ensure sustainability.

“So, I look forward to a greater conversation, given where I have come from, one of the special projects that the Ghana Maritime Authority will be having is a reinvigorated project on research,” he said.

Dr Ali said as part of its mandate, the GMA would continue to enforce international and national maritime laws and oversee infrastructure, vessel operations, pollution control, and seafarers’ welfare.

He said the responsibilities of the authority included ship registration, inspections, training, port security, and implementing international conventions.

He added that the authority promotes safe water transportation, protects the marine environment, and ensures safety for seafarers and inland waterways.

About project

The Principal Investigator of PEP II Project, Prof. Annette Skovsted Hansen, said the PEPP was a research project with a focus on the future of sustainable ports and shipping along African coasts.

During the past six years, we have had two research projects bringing together researchers, port officials, port operators, and media from Ghana, Denmark, Togo, and the United States to follow the changes at the Port of Tema.

“The conversations, observations, and deep analyses have brought about many insights and new knowledge.

“As the project is coming to a close, we greatly appreciate that so many researchers have decided to join us for our conference to share their research and explore new possibilities for collaboration and networking to provide knowledge upon which decisions for the future of ports can be based,” she added.