New Environmental Monitoring systems at two key Ghana Ports

Above image: OceanWise field engineer working on installations at Tema Port

OceanWise has recently been involved in a project with Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) – dubbed as “the trade and logistics hub of Western Africa”. The project, which was a collaborative effort between OceanWise and our Licensed Partner Brewzone Ventures Ltd, involved installing a comprehensive environmental monitoring system at two key GPHA ports: Tema and Takoradi.

The tide and weather system is designed to deliver essential real-time tide and weather data to the GPHA operators, hydrographers and pilots who will rely on the data to make important operational decisions and ensure safety at the port. The data from the tide and weather stations is collected, managed and published in the OceanWise data publishing platform Port-Log which delivers reliable, secure data to those who need it, when they need it.

Not only do the tide gauges provide data to GPHA, they also form part of the GLOSS network (Global Sea Level Observing System). GLOSS was established by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in 1985 to establish a well-designed, high-quality in situ sea level observing network to support a broad research and operational user base. The two tide gauges at Tema and Takoradi are part of over 300 gauges that make up this important data network.

Following a successful visit by GPHA to the UK, the fully tested system which included two tide and weather stations, was shipped to Ghana where two OceanWise field engineers worked alongside our partner Nana Brew of Brewzone and GPHA, to install the equipment, train the local teams and oversee the integration of the equipment and data into GPHA’s existing systems. The site visit included establishing a network of benchmarks, with the aim of being able to tie the new data to one of the longest sea level datasets in Africa dating back to the 1920s.

Yirenkyi Koranteng (Isaac), Port Hydrographer for GPHA comments: “We were pleased that OceanWise were able to deliver an operational system which is also contributing to global sea level measurement. OceanWise’s experience of working with many ports is helping GPHA deliver our goals and this is much appreciated“.

This project is just one of the many improvements that GPHA are making and goes some way to helping them achieve their visions which include “reducing the cost of trade, providing and maintaining efficient modern Port facilities, aiding in regional development and providing and maintaining safe and secure sea ports for the nation and sub region”.

With 85% of Ghana’s trade arriving and departing via the ports, it’s clear that they represent a very important part of the country’s infrastructure and OceanWise are very proud to have been a part of this important project, alongside Brewzone and the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC). Following this project, OceanWise is “looking forward to continuing to work closely with Brewzone to develop other exciting opportunities in the Western Africa region. Nana Brew, Managing Director of Brewzone has been fundamental in helping OceanWise secure and deliver this project and we look forward to working with him moving forward on other projects and maintaining our positive relationship with GPHA”.

Above image source: https://www.ghanaports.gov.gh/