Ghanaian firm Ahorlu Marine Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Presidential Special Initiatives to accelerate the development of the AFROPAX project, a flagship initiative in maritime transport in West Africa. The project aims to strengthen logistics in Africa and support African trade along the strategic Abidjan–Lagos coastal corridor.
AFROPAX: A New Maritime Corridor for Transport in West Africa
The AFROPAX project seeks to deploy a modern coastal ferry service linking the Abidjan–Lagos corridor by sea, one of the most dynamic economic axes on the continent. The service will connect directly to Ghana’s two main ports, reinforcing the country’s role as a key hub in transport across the African continent.
This maritime corridor offers a credible alternative to road transport in Africa, which remains heavily congested along this axis, while enhancing multimodal connectivity across African logistics corridors.
Low-Emission ROPAX Vessels to Enhance Regional Mobility
An Innovative Solution for Maritime Transport in Africa
The service will rely on dual-purpose roll-on/roll-off passenger (ROPAX) vessels, capable of transporting both passengers and vehicles. Designed as low-emission ferries, these vessels align with current priorities for innovation in transport and logistics in Africa, combining operational efficiency with environmental performance.
The broader project scope includes:
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the construction of dedicated passenger and vehicle terminals in selected ports,
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the procurement and operation of the first two vessels,
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the rollout of a digital management platform to support efficient service delivery.
A Project Aligned with Ghana’s National Transport Strategy
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Presidential Special Initiatives, Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, emphasized the project’s alignment with Ghana’s broader agenda to strengthen coastal and maritime transport in Africa.
According to the Minister, once operational, AFROPAX is expected to:
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ease pressure on heavily trafficked highways,
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improve travel safety and reliability,
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offer a faster and more efficient alternative for passengers and economic operators.
A Catalyst for African Trade and Regional Integration
For Mr. Stanley Ahorlu, Managing Director of Ahorlu Marine Limited, AFROPAX represents a major step toward building a sustainable, locally driven maritime transport ecosystem capable of supporting the African supply chain.
The project is expected to:
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facilitate import-export flows in West Africa,
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improve cross-border mobility for small traders,
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provide SMEs and women-owned businesses with a reliable and cost-effective means of moving goods and passengers.
By strengthening coastal connectivity, AFROPAX directly supports African trade and regional economic integration.
Project Governance Built on Proven Maritime Expertise
The MoU clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Ahorlu Marine Limited will lead project development, drawing on experience gained through Project Shiprite, a USD 137 million maritime infrastructure initiative successfully delivered by its affiliate Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited.
The Ministry will provide institutional support, facilitation, and coordination to ensure timely and effective project implementation.
AFROPAX as a Structuring Project for African Logistics Infrastructure
The AFROPAX project highlights the emergence of concrete solutions to modernize maritime transport in Africa, strengthen African logistics infrastructure, and enhance the performance of African logistics corridors.
At a time when logistics trends in Africa toward 2026 increasingly emphasize multimodal transport and regional integration, this initiative positions Ghana as a key player in West Africa’s coastal transport landscape. For policymakers, investors, and African supply chain stakeholders, AFROPAX represents a high-impact project with strong economic, logistical, and strategic value for the continent’s long-term development.
