Global energy and infrastructure company Sahara Group has commissioned MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000-cubic-metre Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier, in Ulsan, a move expected to strengthen Ghana’s clean energy supply chain and support the country’s clean cooking and energy access initiatives.
The newly launched dual-fuel vessel is designed to improve LPG supply reliability, ease logistics challenges, and enhance coordination within Ghana’s LPG distribution system. The development is also expected to increase operational efficiency and lower emissions across the energy value chain.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as an important milestone in strengthening infrastructure that supports the global LPG supply network. He noted that expanding shipping capacity would help improve supply security, reliability, and efficiency in the energy market.
Mahama praised Sahara Group, the vessel’s owners, as well as shipbuilders Hyundai Heavy Industries and other partners for their technical expertise and strategic collaboration. He expressed optimism that the project would encourage further investment and partnerships within Africa’s energy sector.
According to Wale Ajibade, the vessel forms part of the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening Ghana’s energy security and supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner energy. He noted that the project will also secure an additional 25,000 metric tonnes of LPG stock for Ghana, alongside new land-based storage facilities currently under development in Tema.
Ajibade further highlighted that Sahara Group’s integrated investments across shipping, storage, and distribution are aimed at building resilient energy systems that improve livelihoods while supporting sustainable economic growth.
He also commended the leadership of President Mahama, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and the National Petroleum Authority for providing policy direction and regulatory support for the country’s downstream energy sector.
With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG fleet now consists of six vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres. Through partnerships with NNPC Limited and WAGL Energy, the company also has an additional 270,000 cubic metres of LPG capacity under construction, expected to be delivered by September 2028.
Temitope Shonubi explained that the new vessel forms part of Sahara’s global LPG infrastructure strategy, which includes investments in shipping, storage, and downstream distribution. This strategy also involves the development of a 12,000-metric-tonne LPG storage terminal in Tema.
He also praised Yaa Serwaa Alifo for her leadership and commitment to dedicating a vessel of this scale specifically to Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries.
Ghana is aiming to increase LPG usage from about 30 percent of households to 50 percent by 2030. Sahara Group’s investments are expected to expand access to cleaner cooking fuel for the country’s population of more than 35 million people while strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional LPG supply hub.
The commissioning also coincides with Sahara Group’s 30th anniversary celebration, marked by the Sahara Beyond XXX milestone, which highlights the company’s commitment to responsible growth, shared prosperity, and long-term impact across its markets.
Source: citinews
