By Evelyn ARTHUR, Tema
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has officially inaugurated its new office edifice in Tema, within seventeen years of operation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, which was well attended by the movers and shakers of the maritime industry, Managing Director of MSC, Ghana, Cedric Goujon, said the opening of the office is not only for their business but for the development and prosperity of the local community.
According to him, it signified the spirit of growth, progress and collaboration, which also represents their commitment for investing in the future of the company’s best and that of the people of Ghana.
Mr. Goujon said “We see just not an office building but a catalyst for development, job creation, and economy prosperity”.
He noted the company has grown exponentially for over 50 years, in terms of bulk volume of fleet capacity, serving millions of customers across the globe, employed over two hundred thousand people worldwide, operates in fifty five countries, calls on five hundred and twenty ports, operates eight hundred vessels, carrying a total of 22.5 million (TEUs) containers annually.
Mr. Goujon, stated MSC has been active in Africa continent since the company’s first shipping liner service in 1971, connected Africa to the rest of the world, and started its operation in Ghana since 1998 with six employees, and since then increased its volumes in Tema and Takoradi Ports respectively.
The company handles a total of one hundred and ninty thousand TEUs annually, with one hundred and sixty employees currently and provides weekly services.
He expressed gratitude to the sector ministry, local authorities and customers, for their unwavering supports and trust throughout their journey and pledged their commitment to serving them with excellence and integrity.
Board Chairman of MSC, Captain Michele Lauro, said the partnership between Ghana and MSC is soaring, adding that the company will continue to invest in services, logistics, port infrastructure and human resources.
Commissioning the edifice, Deputy Minister of Transport, Alhassan Tampuli, who was the guest of honour for the occasion, said the new building serves a new benchmark for eco-friendly development in the country, and a celebration of the remarkable journey MSC has undertaken since its entry in Ghana’s maritime industry.
He attributed the success of MSC to the connective efforts of all stakeholders, and their vision of opening up more opportunities for customers by investing in stable, robust and sustainable shipping and logistics solutions which squarely aligns with the focus of the government.
“We must keep in mind that this new office complex is more than just a physical structure, it is a symbol of your commitment to progress, innovation and unshaken collaboration. As we commissioned this edifice, we must not lose sight to ensure the urgent need to ensure environmental sustainability in our operations”,.
Mr. Tampuli indicated the importance of the Blue Economy to the growth and urgent needs to address its environmental impacts are of Paramount importance to the government and as such promote sustainable shipping practices that are in line with the goals outlined in the Paris agreement.
“As a result, Ghana has been working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and other industry players to promote clean and efficient shipping practice”, Mr. Tampuli said.
