Celebrations in Ghana for the christening of the Great Tema

“The arrival of the Great Tema is a celebration of the port, the Tema community, and the whole nation. It is a symbol of hope, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the greatness of Ghana.” With these words, on 21 March, Grimaldi Ghana Managing Director Walter Aceti welcomed the third of six G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessels, in front of a large, enthusiastic audience, who had gathered to celebrate her christening and maiden call in the port she is named after. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Transport Frederick Obeng Adom, the Italian Ambassador to Ghana Daniela d’Orlandi, the Tema Mantse (Chief), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Director General Michael A. Luguje and the Port of Tema Director Sandra Opoku, as well as representatives from other national bodies and authorities, the Grimaldi Group and some of its loyal customers.

The godmother of the vessel was Rosemary Okyere-Akomeah, the wife of Vincent Okyere-Akomeah, Managing Director of Cocoa Marketing Company, the world's largest single seller and exporter of premium cocoa from origin. “As the world’s leading cocoa marketing and shipping company,” explained Mr. Okyere-Akomeah, “we recognize the vital role that efficient and reliable shipping plays in ensuring the timely delivery of our precious cargo to global markets. The introduction of the Great Tema represents a significant investment in modern infrastructure and technology, which will enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of our cocoa exports. Our partnership with Grimaldi reflects our shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Together, we strive to set new standards of service quality and reliability in our industry, thereby enhancing the reputation of Ghana as a reliable trading partner on the global cocoa market.”

As Grimaldi Group Deep Sea Lines Deputy Director Giuseppe Patanè pointed out, not only will the deployment of the Great Tema and her sister vessels benefit cocoa trades from West Africa: more broadly, it “will ensure that Grimaldi remains in a unique position to offer its customers premium maritime transport solutions for all cargo types – containers, rolling freight or project cargo – while actively participating in the economy of Ghana. With her majestic dimensions, the Great Tema is the largest ro-ro ship that has ever operated in West Africa. However, the greatness of the G5-class ships is measured not only by their size and capacity: this generation of vessels is a statement of the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to offer sustainable maritime transport.”

The Grimaldi Group has been an active stakeholder in the shipping industry in Ghana for the past 40 years, offering reliable and efficient shipping solutions to and from the nation’s two major ports of Tema and Takoradi. In 2001, the Italian group consolidated its presence in the West African country by establishing its own agency there, called Grimaldi Ghana.

During the ceremony for the Great Tema, the Grimaldi’s commitment to the growth of sustainable shipping and economy in Ghana was also acknowledged by the GPHA Director General: “I want to use this opportunity to express the Port Authority's gratitude to the Grimaldi Group for your loyal commitment to our country, working with us for the last 40 years,” said Michael A. Luguje. “We appreciate your support, we appreciate your patronage, and we appreciate your collaboration. Even in difficult times, you have remained by the side of Ghana Ports.”