GHANA’S fight against marine pollution has entered a new phase with the deployment of the MV Esther Ocloo, a multi-purpose oil-spill response vessel equipped to detect, monitor and respond to pollution threats across the country’s maritime space.

The 40-metre vessel, stationed at the Western Naval Command (WNC), is expected to significantly strengthen Ghana’s preparedness to tackle oil spills, support maritime surveillance and protect the country’s increasingly busy offshore environment.

Named after celebrated Ghanaian entrepreneur, Esther Afua Ocloo, the vessel was constructed in Singapore by Penguin Shipyard Asia Pte Ltd and is powered by three Cummins engines.

It is fitted with sophisticated oil-spill response equipment, including a harbour oil-spill boom and an oil dispersant system capable of containing and treating spills in harbours and offshore waters.

Two aerial drones on board will further enhance the vessel’s ability to detect and monitor oil spills, and other activities over Ghana’s waters.

The deployment comes against the backdrop of expanding port infrastructure, growing offshore petroleum operations and increasing maritime traffic, all of which heighten the risk of marine pollution and other maritime incidents.

The vessel is consequently expected to become a critical asset for oil-spill detection, recovery, surveillance and environmental protection, while supporting efforts to build a safer, cleaner and more sustainable maritime sector.

Speaking at the deployment ceremony at the WNC on Friday, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Naval Captain (Rtd) Dr Ali Kamal-Deen, said the authority acquired the vessel in 2023 to strengthen maritime safety, regulatory compliance, security, enforcement and oil-spill response.

He said the GMA management and Board subsequently collaborated with the Ghana Navy to crew and prepare the vessel for effective operations following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

“The 10-day workout has been completed and there is every indication that MV Esther Ocloo is no longer just a vessel acquired by the GMA to sit in the harbour,” he said.

Naval Capt. Kamal-Deen commended the Chief of the Naval Staff and the naval team for their efforts in preparing the vessel for deployment.

He particularly praised the naval crew for their professionalism during the 10-day workout and assured them that the GMA would work to address logistical challenges and safeguard their welfare.

“We are proud of the relationship that we are fostering, and we look forward to strengthening it for the oil and gas industry and its partners,” he added.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the WNC, Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, said the workout was crucial to determining the vessel’s readiness and ensuring that the crew was adequately prepared for its operational responsibilities.

The exercise, he emphasised, tested the crew’s ability to respond to operational challenges while assessing the vessel’s overall preparedness for deployment.

Commodore Nyam described the collaboration between the GMA and the Ghana Navy as a significant milestone in strengthening maritime safety and security.

He urged the crew to maintain the professional standards demonstrated during the exercise.