The Ghana Maritime Authority’s (GMA) multipurpose oil-spill response vessel, MV Esther Ocloo, has completed a 10-day operational workup with the Ghana Navy and is now ready for deployment.
But authorities say the vessel’s readiness must be sustained, with regular maintenance, adequate logistics, crew competence and the resolution of outstanding deficiencies critical to its effectiveness.
The Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, said the completion of the workup provides a basis for the vessel’s effective deployment, but warned that maintaining the standards achieved during the trials would be crucial.
“Operational effectiveness would depend on maintaining the vessel, sustaining the competence of a crew, and ensuring that the procedures developed during this period are applied consistently,” he said.
He called for the observations and recommendations from the workup to be given the necessary attention, particularly those relating to outstanding deficiencies.
From acquisition to operational readiness
MV Esther Ocloo was acquired by the Ghana Maritime Authority in 2023 to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to protect its marine environment and respond to oil pollution.
The vessel was named after Ghanaian entrepreneur Esther Afua Ocloo and was built in Singapore by Penguin Shipyard Asia Pte Ltd.
At 40 meters long and powered by three Cummins engines, the vessel is equipped with specialized oil-spill response technology.
Its equipment includes a DESMI DBD 16 combination skimmer, Harbour oil-spill boom and an oil dispersant system capable of responding to Tier 1 and Tier 2 oil spills in harbour and offshore areas.
It is also equipped with two aerial drones for detecting and monitoring oil spills and other activities across Ghana’s waters.
The acquisition comes at a time when Ghana’s expanding ports, offshore petroleum activities and increasing maritime traffic are raising the potential risks associated with marine pollution.
The vessel is therefore expected to serve as a strategic asset for oil-spill detection, recovery, surveillance and environmental protection.
Despite its acquisition, getting the vessel fully crewed and ready for sustained operations has been a challenge.
Speaking at a deployment ceremony at the Naval Base at Second, the Retired Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr Ali Kamal-Deen, said the Authority worked with the Ghana Navy to address the crewing challenge through an institutional partnership.
The Ghana Navy has provided personnel to complement the Authority’s existing crew, following the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
Dr Kamal-Deen said the collaboration has now moved MV Esther Ocloo from simply being an acquired asset to one available for deployment.
He, however, acknowledged the need for the necessary logistics to sustain its operations.
“We are working with the Ghana Navy to make sure that all the logistics that are needed for the continuous and effective deployment of the vessel are in place,” he said.
More than an oil-spill response vessel
Beyond responding to oil pollution, MV Esther Ocloo is expected to support maritime safety, regulatory compliance and security enforcement, while contributing to the protection of Ghana’s offshore oil and gas industry.
The Ghana Maritime Authority says the vessel will also be available to support industry-specific requirements within its mandate.
For the Ghana Navy, however, operational readiness is only the first step.
The Western Naval Command is urging both institutions to sustain joint training and operational engagement to ensure effective coordination at sea.
The immediate challenge, therefore, is no longer simply getting MV Esther Ocloo ready for deployment, but keeping the vessel ready.
Regular maintenance, adequate logistics, a well-trained crew and prompt action on deficiencies identified during the workup will determine whether the vessel can consistently deliver on its mandate of protecting Ghana’s maritime environment.
By: Portia Cudjoe
