GPHA commissions two tugboats
From Selorm GBORBIDZI, Tema
The Deputy Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Hassan Tampuli, yesterday commissioned two tugboats for the use of the Ghana Ports and harbours Authority (GPHA).
The tugboats are named after two former Directors General of the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority, namely Group Captain (Retired) Edward A. A. Awuviri, and Nestor Percy Galley.
The pair of 80T Bollard Pull Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) vessels are expected to augment the GPHA’s existing fleet and help improve port efficiency by performing towing, berthing and unberthing, salvage, pushing, assisting and escorting, firefighting and environmental services.
They are expected to remain sea-worthy for the next three decades, with regular maintenance.
Mr Tampuli made it known at the commissioning ceremony that government will not renege on its commitment to the maritime sector, which he acknowledged, has contributed greatly to national development.
He asserted that with the commissioning of these two tugboats, Group Capt. Awuviri and Nestor Percy galley, Ghana will be positioned as a beacon of maritime operations.
The Board Chairman of GPHA, Isaac Osei, said in his statement that the acquisition of the two boats is a testament to the fact that government puts premium on infrastructure at the port.
This is because government recognises that there is a need to take deliberate steps to grow the port and position it as the premier port in the sub-region.
He said, “By investing in these vessels, we are not just looking at the current needs of the port, but investing in the future of the maritime industry.”
He urged the port authorities to ensure that routine maintenance checks are carried out on the vessels to extend their operational lifespan as much as possible.
Director general of GPHA, , Michael Luguje, said that by naming the vessels after the two distinguished servants of the port, it is hoped that it will inspire the current generation of port workers to “do our utmost to move our organisation from where it is now to a better pedestal.”
He described his predecessor as exemplifying “a spirit of unwavering commitment and distinguished service to our nation.”
He said, “the tugboat bearing his name stands not only as a symbol of maritime strength, but also as a tribute to the courage and dedication of a true leader.”
In eulogising the man after whom the second tugboat was named – Nestor Percy Galley – he described him as “a name synonymous with dedication and expertise in the maritime domain.”
He urged the workers at the port to not only celebrate the technological prowess of these two boats but also recognise the dedication a sacrifice that underlie their construction and operation.
He was optimistic that these two boats will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of maritime activity at the port.
Group Captain (Retired) Edward Alexander A. Awuviri, in a short acceptance speech prayed the crew of the vessel Group Capt. (Rtd) Edward A. A. Awuviri, to “exemplify the hard work for which I was known.”
Nestor Galley on his part advised port workers to be innovative and efficient in their work to bring honour to the nation.
