Ahorlu Marine Limited, a boutique maritime advisory and project development firm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Presidential Special Initiatives to advance the development of its flagship AFROPAX coastal ferry initiative.

The AFROPAX project aims to introduce a modern ferry service along the West African coastline, linking the Abidjan–Lagos corridor by sea and connecting to Ghana’s two major ports.

The service will deploy dual-purpose, low-emission roll-on/roll-off passenger (ROPAX) vessels capable of carrying both vehicles and passengers. The wider project scope includes the construction of dedicated passenger and vehicle terminals in selected ports, procurement and operation of the first two vessels, and the introduction of a digital management platform to support efficient service delivery.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Presidential Special Initiatives, Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, MP, said the initiative is aligned with government’s goal of strengthening coastal water transport.

“This project supports our broader transport agenda, and when operational, it will be a game changer—reducing pressure on the highways along this busy corridor and offering travellers a safer, faster alternative,” he noted.

Ahorlu Marine’s Managing Director, Mr. Stanley Ahorlu, described the project as a major step toward building a sustainable indigenous maritime transport ecosystem.
“The AFROPAX project will provide the foundational infrastructure needed to grow a thriving maritime transport sector in Ghana,” he said. “It will also enhance intra-African trade by giving small and medium-sized traders—especially women-owned enterprises—a reliable, cost-effective means to move goods and travel across borders.”

The MoU outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Ahorlu Marine Limited will lead project development, leveraging expertise gained through Project Shiprite, a US$137 million maritime infrastructure initiative successfully executed by its affiliate, Prime Meridian Docks Ghana Limited. The Ministry will support the facilitation and coordination required to advance project implementation.

The AFROPAX project is expected to significantly improve regional mobility, promote trade integration, and contribute to Ghana’s long-term transport infrastructure goals.