The government has shortlisted six firms out of the 20 companies that submitted bids to redevelop the Tema Shipyard and drydock facility into a world-class structure.

This follows the failure of the Malaysian investors to develop the shipyard to an acceptable state.

Speaking at a pre-proposal bidding conference, Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah noted that the partner to be selected will be given the necessary support to invest in modern technology to make the facility a world class one.

"Government considers the Shipyard as a strategic national asset and seeks to rehabilitate and upgrade it into a modern well-equipped shipyard to ensure that it contributes significantly to the integrated Bauxite Industry as well as the oil and gas industry.

It is the expectation of government that the private partner that will be selected at the end of this solicitation process, would partner government to bring about the needed technology and investments to lead to scale up the facilities at the yard," he said.

The growth of the oil and gas sector positions the shipyard to take advantage of opportunities and also help to promote local content as well as improving Ghana's competitiveness in West Africa's offshore oil and gas sector.

The six selected companies are joint venture companies between some Ghanaians and international counterparts.

The selected companies have up to November 2 this year to submit detailed proposals and prospects from the various firms.

The companies include Darmac Marine and Engineering, Lador Freezone Enterprise, Secant technologies, Submarine holding, Strategic securities limited and Life Forms limited