Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked a major milestone with the naming of its first LNG dual-fuel container vessel in Ghana, underscoring both its commitment to sustainable shipping and its long-standing ties with the West African nation.
The vessel, Kota Odyssey, part of PIL’s new 8,200 TEU “O” Class series, was officially named at a ceremony at the Port of Tema. The naming was performed by Her Excellency Ms Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, who served as the Lady Sponsor.
The event was attended by senior Ghanaian officials, including Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, and Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, signaling Ghana’s strong support for sustainable maritime development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the vessel’s significance for both Ghana and regional trade:
“This ceremony is a celebration of maritime innovation and a testament to Ghana’s growing stature in regional trade and logistics. With the deployment of this state-of-the-art vessel, PIL is strengthening Ghana’s trade links with Asia and our neighbours across West Africa.”
She further noted the event as a symbol of the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Singapore, adding that both nations share a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and human capital development.
Kota Odyssey will be deployed on PIL’s South West Africa Service (SWS), offering direct weekly connections between China, Singapore, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. The service is expected to enhance trade flows between Asia and West Africa, while reinforcing Ghana’s position as a regional logistics hub.
“Naming this vessel in Ghana reflects our deep-rooted presence and growing investment in the country,” said Mr Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL. “Ghana plays a vital role in our network, not only as a key gateway into West Africa but also as a strategic hub for regional connectivity and inland transport.”
He added that the ceremony underscores PIL’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s maritime ambitions and contributing to its economic development through sustainable and integrated shipping solutions.
PIL has operated in Africa since the 1970s and today serves more than 30 countries across the continent. With its West Africa regional head office based in Ghana, the company provides seven weekly services and feeder connections to over 40 ports.
Beyond trade, PIL is also investing in local talent development, with around 100 Ghanaian seafarers currently serving across its global fleet. The company has further enhanced its sustainability profile in Ghana by powering its local operations entirely with renewable energy through locally sourced renewable energy certificates (RECs).
The naming of Kota Odyssey marks a historic first for PIL in Ghana and reinforces the shipping line’s pledge to deliver resilient, sustainable, and inclusive logistics solutions across Africa and beyond.
