Sahara Group commissions 40,000 MT Asharami Ghana LPG carrier, expands capacity for West Africa

Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin

Lagos — Sahara Group, a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has commissioned MT Asharami Ghana, a 40,000 cubic metre Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, carrier, expanding its fleet capacity, while strengthening Ghana’s clean energy supply chain and LPG distribution network.

The dual fuel vessel improves operational efficiency, enhances supply reliability, and supports lower emission LPG logistics as consumption grows across Ghana and the wider sub region.

Speaking at the commissioning in Ulsan, South Korea, President John Dramani Mahama described the vessel as a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the global LPG supply chain, noting that expanded shipping capacity is critical to improving supply security, reliability, and efficiency for countries that rely partly on LPG imports.

He commended Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and all partners involved for their leadership, technical expertise, and strategic foresight, adding that the project reflects the power of partnership in advancing safe, efficient, and responsible energy distribution.

President Mahama wished the MT Asharami Ghana safe sails, expressing confidence that the vessel would inspire further investment and collaboration across Africa’s energy value chain.

According to Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, the vessel supports Ghana’s clean energy ambitions through integrated infrastructure.

“MT Asharami Ghana is more than a vessel; it is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen LPG supply security and support Ghana’s clean energy ambitions. It secures an additional 25,000 metric tonne stock security for the Ghana economy, alongside the soon to be commissioned 6000-metric-tonnes of 12.000-metric-tonns land storage in Tema,” he said.

With the addition of Asharami Ghana, Sahara Group’s LPG carrier fleet now comprises six delivered vessels with a combined capacity of 202,000 cubic metres.

Supported by partnerships with WAGL Energy, NNPC Limited, and other stakeholders, an additional 270,000 cubic metres of capacity is under construction and due for delivery by September 2028.

Temitope Shonubi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, said Asharami Ghana is part of Sahara’s integrated LPG infrastructure strategy spanning shipping, storage, and downstream distribution globally, including the development of a 12,000 metric tonne land based LPG storage terminal in Tema, with a 6,000 metric tonne first phase scheduled for completion in May 2026.

He thanked Yaa Serwaa Alifo, MD of Asharami Ghana, for her resilience and insistence on dedicating a ship of this magnitude solely to the Ghana Market and its landlocked neighbours.

Ghana is targeting LPG adoption of 50 percent of households by 2030, up from about 30 percent today. Sahara’s investments will support clean energy access for more than 35 million people, while strengthening Ghana’s role in regional LPG trade to neighbouring and landlocked West African markets.

The commissioning comes in Sahara Group’s 30th anniversary year, guided by the Sahara Beyond XXX milestone, underscoring Sahara’s focus on building an enduring enterprise that delivers responsible growth, shared prosperity and long term impact across its markets.