The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has officially activated its specialized oil spill response vessel, the MV Esther Ocloo, following the completion of comprehensive training for a joint maritime-naval crew to man the vessel.

The multi-purpose vessel will operate with an integrated crew, combining the GMA’s statutory mandate and technical expertise in maritime safety and environmental protection with the Navy’s extensive seagoing capabilities and security expertise.

As a Tier-2 response platform, the MV Esther Ocloo provides dedicated, rapid-response containment capabilities for medium-scale offshore oil spills while elevating overall Maritime Domain Awareness. Beyond environmental response, it will serve as an emergency platform for search-and-rescue operations and support active surveillance to curtail dangerous wooden canoe incursions into restricted energy zones, directly mitigating collision risks for both local fishermen and offshore infrastructure.

Industry Sustainability
Speaking at a ceremony at the Western Naval Command in Takoradi on Friday, Sept 4, 2026, to mark the end of the training and the deployment of the vessel, the Director-General of the GMA, Naval Captain (Rtd) Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, highlighted the collective importance attached to protecting Ghana’s maritime domain, safeguarding the marine environment, ensuring the sustainability of the oil and gas industry, and securing offshore economic assets.

Dr. Ali noted that an offshore incident can rapidly escalate into an environmental, economic, and national security crisis. He added that key activities around Ghana’s oil and gas fields require a continuous maritime presence, effective surveillance, and integrated response capabilities across all industry stakeholders. “The completion of this training for the crew is therefore a significant milestone marking the beginning of sustained operational readiness to enforce compliance, protect ecosystems, and secure offshore infrastructure,” Dr Ali said.

The DG acknowledged the crucial collaboration with the Ghana Navy in providing crew members to complement GMA personnel. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff for working tirelessly to bring the initiative to fruition and assured stakeholders that the GMA will put all necessary logistics in place to guarantee the continued, effective deployment and maintenance of the vessel.

The Director-General emphasized that while the vessel enhances national capability, it is not a substitute for industry responsibilities but part of a broader national architecture. He called for continued close cooperation with key industry partners and state entities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana National Gas Company, and the Petroleum Commission.

Dr. Ali also charged the joint crew to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, reminding them that when they sail on the MV Esther Ocloo, they carry the trust and expectations of the entire nation.

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The Lead in charge of Asset Protection at Tullow Ghana, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Gura (Rtd), in his remarks commended the GMA and the Ghana Navy for the completion of the training and deployment, which he called a vital milestone for maritime safety, security, and environmental management.

Highlighting Tullow’s longstanding relationship with the GMA and Ghana Navy, he encouraged both bodies to actively work together to ensure the deployment leads to enhanced surveillance capabilities to curtail dangerous canoe incursions into offshore operational areas.

Western Naval Command
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, noted in his remarks that the 10-day exercise was critical for identifying and eliminating operational obstacles before full deployment.

Commodore Nyam stressed that the long-term operational success of the vessel will depend heavily on regular system maintenance, sustained crew competence, and adherence to the protocols established during the trials. He commended the synergy between both institutions as proof of what inter-agency cooperation can achieve in securing Ghana’s territorial waters.