New LPG carrier to expand capacity for Ghana

Improving supply security for the region

The commissioning of the 40,000 m³ LPG carrier, MT Asharami Ghana last week, officially increases the Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet to six vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 m³.

The dual‑fuel vessel improves operational efficiency, enhances supply reliability, and supports lower‑emission LPG logistics as consumption grows across Ghana and the wider sub‑region.

Speaking at the commissioning in Ulsan, South Korea, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as “a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain,” noting that expanded shipping capacity is critical to improving supply security, reliability, and efficiency for countries that rely partly on LPG imports.

Mahama, who was on a working visit to Korea, said the acquisition of the LPG vessel will strengthen Ghana’s liquefied petroleum gas supply chain. “Today we celebrate not only engineering excellence but also the power of partnership,” the president said.

It represents a crucial step toward energy security for Ghana, President Mahama stated, adding that such investments contribute to building “a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits present and future generations.”

According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, the vessel supports Ghana’s clean energy ambitions through integrated infrastructure.

“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000 metric tonne stock security for the Ghana economy, alongside the soon to be commissioned 6000-metric-tonee of 12.000-metric-tonne land storage in Tema,” he said.

With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited, and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.

Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said Asharami Ghana is part of Sahara’s integrated LPG infrastructure strategy spanning shipping, storage, and downstream distribution globally, including the development of a 12,000‑metric‑tonne land‑based LPG storage terminal in Tema, with a 6,000‑metric‑tonne first phase scheduled for completion in May 2026.

The state-of-the-art dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier represents a strategic addition to a growing fleet designed to support the evolving energy needs of the West African sub-region. Its deployment significantly expands LPG transport capacity and signals a new chapter in regional energy logistics.

Highlighting the broader implications, President Mahama noted that LPG plays a vital role in Africa’s energy transition.

“For millions of households across Africa, LPG offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood, and kerosene,” he said. “Its wider adoption contributes not only to improved public health but also to environmental sustainability by reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution.”

For many African countries, including Ghana, that depend on LPG imports to complement domestic production, the investment enhances supply security while creating opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets and generate employment.

President Mahama concluded by emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships in securing Africa’s energy future.

PHOTO: The MT Asharami Ghana, which was built for Sahara Energy by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Limited, was officially commissioned on 12 March 2026.

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