Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked a historic milestone in Ghana’s maritime sector with the naming ceremony of its latest 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Odyssey, at the Port of Tema.
The event, a first of its kind for PIL in Ghana, highlights both the shipping giant’s deepening investment in West Africa and Ghana’s growing role as a regional trade and logistics hub.
The vessel, part of PIL’s cutting-edge “O” Class series, was officially named Kota Odyssey by Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the Lady Sponsor.
Addressing dignitaries and industry leaders, the Vice President described the ceremony as a “celebration of maritime innovation and a testament to Ghana’s growing stature in regional trade and logistics.”
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang used the occasion to reflect on Ghana’s long-standing relationship with Singapore, where PIL is headquartered.
“This occasion is a sign of the long-standing and ever-growing relationship between Ghana and Singapore.
“Our two nations share a common commitment to innovation, sustainability, and people development.”
Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s Vice President
She noted that bilateral cooperation has deepened in areas such as trade agreements, environmental collaboration, and human capital development.
“Singapore’s expertise as a leading maritime hub is something that informs our own progress.
“We appreciate that PIL highlights our bilateral relationship by creating jobs and supporting the development of local talent. We look forward to even greater collaborations between Ghana and Singapore.”
Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s Vice President
Strong Government Support for Maritime Growth
The high-profile ceremony drew strong representation from Ghana’s leadership, including Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, and Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition.
Their presence underscored the government’s support for sustainable maritime development as part of the broader national agenda to position Ghana as a logistics hub for West Africa.
The deployment of Kota Odyssey on PIL’s Southwest Africa Service (SWS) route is set to enhance connectivity between Asia and West Africa.
The vessel will provide direct weekly services linking China, Singapore, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, thereby reinforcing Tema’s role as a strategic gateway for the sub-region.
PIL’s Commitment to Africa
PIL Chief Executive Officer, Lars Kastrup, said naming the vessel in Ghana was symbolic of the company’s growing stake in the country and the continent at large. “Ghana plays a vital role in our network, not only as a key gateway into West Africa but also as a strategic hub for regional connectivity and inland transport,” he said.
“This ceremony underscores our commitment to supporting Ghana’s maritime ambitions and contributing to its economic development.
“As we continue to develop our operations here, we remain focused on delivering sustainable, integrated shipping and logistics solutions that meet the evolving needs of Ghana and the wider African trade landscape.”
PIL Chief Executive Officer, Lars Kastrup
PIL has been present in Africa since the 1970s and now operates in over 30 African countries. Its extensive operations include seven weekly services and a feeder network connecting more than 40 ports.
Ghana serves as the home of PIL’s West Africa regional head office and as a crucial gateway for inland transport into landlocked Burkina Faso.
PIL’s commitment to sustainability was also highlighted at the ceremony. In Ghana, all of the company’s operations are powered entirely by renewable energy, with electricity supplied through locally sourced Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
Equally significant is PIL’s investment in developing local maritime talent. The company currently employs around 100 Ghanaian seafarers across its fleet, a figure expected to grow as PIL expands its operations.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang praised this effort, noting that skills development in high-technology industries such as shipping is essential for Ghana’s youth.
“PIL’s investment in training Ghanaian seafarers provides a pathway to opportunity and empowerment. It is exactly the kind of people-centred development we must encourage.”
Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s Vice President
A Landmark for Ghana’s Maritime Ambitions
The Kota Odyssey, with its LNG dual-fuel technology, represents the latest in sustainable shipping innovation, offering significantly reduced emissions compared to conventional vessels.
For Ghana, hosting the naming of such a vessel sends a strong signal of its growing importance in global trade.
As the vessel begins operations, it is expected to boost trade flows between Asia and West Africa, cement Ghana’s role in regional supply chains, and expand employment opportunities in the logistics and shipping sectors.
The ceremony at Tema port was more than just the launch of a new ship—it was a reaffirmation of Ghana’s maritime ambitions and its ability to attract global investment in sustainable logistics.
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