Temporary Tema Port berth could ease pressure on cement prices – Manufacturers

The Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana says the temporary allocation of an additional berth at the Tema Port could help ease pressure on cement prices by reducing delays in clinker discharge.

The Chamber’s Executive Secretary, Bishop Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, said shorter vessel waiting times would reduce demurrage and other port-related costs incurred by cement manufacturers.

He explained that lower production costs could eventually reduce the pressure on cement prices.

“If the cost of demurrage is reduced, or any other cost related to production is reduced, it affects your cost price,” he said.
His comments follow a September 11 engagement between the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe and port authorities over delays in the discharge of clinker at the Tema Port.

According to the Chamber, rising clinker import volumes have placed pressure on the port’s limited berthing capacity, resulting in vessels spending longer periods at anchorage before unloading.

The delays have increased demurrage costs for manufacturers and added to their overall production expenses.

Dr Dawson-Ahmoah welcomed the temporary berth arrangement, saying it could improve vessel turnaround times and reduce costs associated with prolonged delays.“We are hoping that at the end of this visit, there will be additional berths for the discharge of clinker to reduce the delay at anchorage, which actually comes with costs, which affect the production costs,” he said.

He maintained that cement manufacturers are not interested in increasing prices but are responding to rising production costs.