Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this initiative aims to bring about substantial improvements in the management and operational protocols of one of West Africa’s pivotal maritime gateways.
Project Overview
The project kicked off with an on-site visit by HPC and Inros Lackner to assess the current conditions at the Port of Lome. During this evaluation, a comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted by HPC, focusing on the port's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, particularly in the bulk handling and digitization sectors. Notably, the port, under the operational lead of MSC in the container sector, has shown significant proficiency, setting a benchmark for other regional ports.
Development Initiatives and Training
Following the initial assessments, a series of developmental strategies were proposed. To further enhance the understanding and capabilities of the Port Authority Management at the Port Autonome de Lomé, a study tour to Hamburg, Bremen, and Bremerhaven was organized. This tour provided key insights into advanced port operations and allowed the team to explore potential developmental steps inspired by some of Europe’s leading port operations.
Another pivotal element of the project involved specialized training for security personnel from the port. Participants travelled to Hamburg to partake in ISPS Port Facility Training, culminating in certification that would help elevate the security standards at the Port of Lome to meet international norms.
Additionally, training sessions covering the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and MARPOL (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) were held in Hamburg. These sessions were geared towards enhancing the regulatory and safety compliance of port operations.
Impact and Future Directions
The collaboration between HPC, Inros Lackner, and GIZ is expected to significantly bolster the operational efficiency and security standards of the Port of Lome. By adopting international best practices and enhancing digital operations, the port is set to better serve its role as a critical hub in West Africa’s maritime sector.
As the project progresses, further evaluations will ensure that the Port of Lome not only meets but exceeds the modern operational standards required to compete on a global scale. This initiative not only reflects the commitment of international cooperation but also emphasizes sustainable development in maritime logistics.
