Takoradi, march 09, GNA - The Takoradi Port realised 141,133 billion cedis as revenue in 2004 as compared to 114,790 billion cedis in 2003.

Mr Paul A, Ansah, Marketing and Consumer Services Manager of the Takoradi Port, said this when a 20-member trade delegation from Amsterdam visited the Takoradi Port on Wednesday. He said the revenue base of the port was increasing due to improved services, quick turn round time, the calling of large vessels at the port and an increase in transit trade.

Mr Ansah said between January and December last year, 72 container vessels docked at the Takoradi Port.

A total of 494 vessels carrying 3.8 million tonnes of cargo docked at the port in 2003 while 465 vessels carrying 4.2 million tones of cargo docked at the port.

The port expects to receive about 700 vessels and goods worth seven million tones after the necessary expansion works have been done. Mr Ansah said plans are underway to bond all warehouses outside the port while efforts were being made to attract private investors to assist in the berthing, transit shed and warehouse construction, provision of equipments and haulage trucks.

Mr Venda K. Sykora, Managing Director of Amsterdam Port Consultants, suggested that the expansion of the Takoradi Port should be done in phases to ensure that facilities provided are patronised. 09 March 05