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    • Sea Coastal Water Transport industry Ghana

    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana 2025

    Charles Chinya | Ghana | 30 September 2025

    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana 2020

    Carole Veitch | Ghana | 16 December 2020

    Report Info

    Report Summary Table of Contents
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    Report Coverage

    This report on sea, coastal and inland water transport in Ghana includes information on its major ports and harbours, vessel calls, cargo handled, major developments and expansion plans. There is information on inland waterways and ports, regional competitors, major challenges, notable players, regulations and influencing factors, including Ghana’s economic growth, government support, input costs and piracy. There are profiles of 26 companies including state-owned Volta Lake Transport Company and the Ghana Maritime Authority, subsidiaries of major international companies such as MSC Ghana and Maersk Ghana, and other notable industry players such as BluChip Logistics, Inchcape Shipping Services, Sharaf Shipping Agency and Supermaritime.

    Introduction

    • Ghana’s strategic location and its coastline on the Gulf of Guinea provide access to major trade routes, facilitating trade to its landlocked neighbours.
    • The annual cargo handled by Ghana’s Tema and Takoradi ports has continued to increase with the modernisation of port infrastructure.
    • The adoption of digital platforms has significantly reduced cargo clearance times at both ports.
    • Ghana is facing increasing competition from countries that have made significant investments in port infrastructure to attract freight traffic and increase trade volumes.
    • Tema and Takoradi ports, despite undergoing expansion, still experience congestion, especially during peak shipping seasons.
    • The increasing frequency of storms and flooding during port operations is leading to costly infrastructure damage.

    Trends

    • An increase in regional competition from neighbouring ports in West Africa.
    • Digitalisation of ports through smart port technologies, IoT sensors to improve cargo processing and management.
    • Expansion and modernisation of ports particularly at Tema and Takoradi aiming to increase capacity and enhance Ghana’s position as a regional trade hub.
    • Ghana Shippers Authority Act is seen as a positive development to address issues of arbitrary shipping charges and promote fair trade practices.
    • Growth in local and transit cargo movement is driving the need for expansion and modernisation of port infrastructure.
    • Increase in cargo throughput.
    • Private public partnerships in port infrastructure development as evidenced by Tema Port Phase 2 expansion project involving Meridian Port Services and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
    • Projections highlight potential growth in freight and transport on Lake Volta.
    • Reducing environmental impact and exploration of the use of renewable energy.
    • Takoradi Port, a key hub for Ghana’s oil and gas industry, is developing facilities to support this sector.
    • Volta Lake Transport Company is looking to integrate its services with road and railway networks to create a more comprehensive transport system.
    • Volta Lake Transport Company is working on modernising its fleet through buying and leasing, to increase capacity and attract a larger client base.

    Opportunities

    • Construction of a new port at Keta and associated infrastructure in the Volta Region offers opportunities in the whole maritime value chain and it will act as a hub for regional trade.
    • Expansion of ports creates significant opportunities for technological supplies.
    • Ongoing construction of a new floating dock for ship repair at Takoradi opens opportunities in ship repair services, and support sectors that supply materials and services.
    • Sustainable projects create opportunities in renewable energy, related industries, and the supply of green technology equipment.
    • The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, based in Accra, Ghana, is spearheading the drive to promote intra-African trade.
    • The oil and gas terminal at Takoradi will position the port as an offshore oil and gas supply hub.
    • The scheduled completion of Tema Port Phase 2 expansion project will increase container handling capacity to handle more cargo and accommodate larger vessels.

    Challenges

    • A fragmented maritime legal framework with overlapping responsibilities among key regulators.
    • Despite recent investments, inadequate infrastructure remains a challenge.
    • Due to inadequate regulation, several unregistered boat operators ply their trade, particularly in the inland waterways.
    • Ghana’s ports have high port charges and demurrage fees.
    • High accident rates on Lake Volta due to inadequate safety measures.
    • High costs of marine fuel and freight charges.
    • Inefficiencies in customs clearance processes.
    • Processes at the ports are often bureaucratic and marred by allegations of corruption.
    • Shortage of qualified professionals with technical and managerial skills.
    • Tema and Takoradi ports often suffer from severe congestion.
    • The escalation of informal transporters, especially along the Volta River.
    • The high cost of compliance with environmental regulations adds to the already high costs of port fees.
    • The inland waterways are prone to fluctuating water levels and debris.
    • The inland waterways transport systems face competition from road transport operators.

    Outlook

    • Ghana has the potential to unlock its full trade potential and compete effectively in the global shipping industry by investing in logistics and promoting its ports.
    • The ongoing Tema expansion will significantly increase its handling capacity.
    • The proposed new Keta port and the recently implemented 24-hour operations at Tema and Takoradi ports will result in increased trade volumes and cargo throughput.
    • 24-hour operations at ports are expected to reduce congestion and vessel turnaround times.
    • Regional competition is expected to intensify and could lead to a decline in market share.

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    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana
    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana 2025

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. COUNTRY INFORMATION 1
    3. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 5
    3.1. Industry Value Chain 7
    3.2. Geographic Position 9
    3.3. Size of the Industry 10
    4. LOCAL 14
    4.1. State of the Industry 14
    4.2. Key Trends 25
    4.3. Key Issues 25
    4.4. Notable Players 26
    4.5. Trade 29
    4.6. Corporate Actions 30
    4.7. Regulations 30
    4.8. Enterprise Development and Social Development 31
    5. AFRICA 33
    6. INTERNATIONAL 38
    7. INFLUENCING FACTORS 42
    7.1. Unforeseen Events 42
    7.2. Economic Environment 42
    7.3. Environmental Issues 45
    7.4. Technology, R&D, Innovation 46
    7.5. Government Support 47
    7.6. Input Costs 48
    7.7. Offshore Oil and Gas 49
    7.8. Piracy 49
    8. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 50
    8.1. Competition 50
    8.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 50
    8.3. Barriers to Entry 50
    9. INDUSTRY SUMMARY 51
    10. OUTLOOK 53
    11. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 53
    12. REFERENCES 53
    12.1. Publications 53
    12.2. Websites 54
    ANNEXURE 1 56
    Relevant Legislation 56
    Other Regulations 56
    APPENDIX 1 57
    Summary of Notable Players 57
    COMPANY PROFILES 61
    AFRICA GLOBAL LOGISTICS GHANA LTD 61
    ALS GLOBAL SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS LTD 63
    AQUANTUO COMPANY LTD 65
    BAJ FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LTD 66
    BLUCHIP LOGISTICS LTD 68
    CMA CGM GHANA LTD 69
    GHANA MARITIME AUTHORITY 71
    GHANA SHIPPERS AUTHORITY 73
    GMT SHIPPING GHANA LTD 75
    GRIMALDI GHANA LTD 76
    HAPAG-LLOYD (GHANA) LTD 77
    HULL BLYTH GHANA LTD 79
    INCHCAPE SHIPPING SERVICES GHANA LTD 81
    INTER MARITIME SERVICES LTD 82
    INTERMODAL SHIPPING AGENCIES GHANA LTD 84
    LOGICAL MARITIME SERVICES LTD 85
    MAERSK GHANA LTD 86
    MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY GHANA LTD 87
    OMA GHANA LTD 88
    PIL (GHANA) LTD 90
    R&G LOGISTICS LTD 91
    RACHANS LOGISTICS LTD 93
    RICH FREIGHT SERVICES LTD 95
    SHARAF SHIPPING AGENCY LTD 96
    SUPERMARITIME (GHANA) LTD 97
    VOLTA LAKE TRANSPORT COMPANY LTD 99

    Report Coverage

    This report focuses on the transport of cargo and passengers by sea and inland on Lake Volta. It includes comprehensive information on the country and its ports and water transport infrastructure, the state and size of the sector, trade statistics, regulations, developments and influencing factors including the economic environment and coronavirus. There are profiles of 21 companies including Meridian Port Services, which operates Tema port, Maersk Ghana, a major player in the liner and break-bulk segments, and Supermaritime Ghana, which has a major share of the dry bulk segment.

    Introduction

    As a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea and an important sub-regional transit trade corridor, Ghana is a maritime trading hub of strategic importance. Situated closer to the globe’s geographic centre of zero degrees latitude-zero degrees longitude than any other city in the world, the Ghanaian Port of Tema boasts the largest container terminal in West Africa. Ghana’s commercial ports collectively receive more than 3,000 vessel calls annually and handle around 85% of the country’s total trade volumes. This report focuses on deep-sea intercontinental transportation of cargo and passengers. In addition, it covers coastwise seaborne transportation and inland waterborne transport on Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world. Although Ghana has reported fewer coronavirus cases than many other countries, the oil-producing nation’s economic growth outlook for 2020, an election year, has been slashed.

    Strengths

    • Ghana acts as a gateway to West Africa and is a maritime trading hub of strategic importance.
    • Tema is well positioned to act as a hub for transhipment.
    • The country’s transit trade corridor, incorporating Lake Volta, serves land-locked West African countries.
    • The Ghanaian government has invested in infrastructural development, capacity expansion and port modernisation projects.
    • The Port of Takoradi is well positioned to provide services and supplies to the offshore oil and gas sector.
    • The Port of Tema has the largest container terminal in West Africa.

    Weaknesses

    • Although there have been significant improvements, operational costs and port tariffs are high.
    • Cargo handling and customs clearing delays can lead to port congestion and bottlenecks in the freight transport system.
    • The high cost of marine fuel and bunkering services.
    • There is a shortage qualified professionals with technical and managerial skills.

    Opportunities

    • Construction of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal and associated infrastructure commenced in November 2020 and offers opportunities to expand Ghana’s transit trade with landlocked Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
    • The development of Takoradi Port as an offshore oil and gas supply hub.
    • The opening of the new Meridian Port Services container terminal in June 2019, allows for the handling of up to 3.5 million TEUs of containerised traffic.
    • With the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat based in its capital, Ghana is planning to spearhead the drive to promote intra-African trade.

    Threats

    • A resurgence of separatist activity could destabilise eastern Ghana’s Volta region.
    • Domestic and global recessionary pressures.
    • Further disruption to maritime trade and passenger travel resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
    • Further weakening of the Ghanaian currency.
    • Sustained weakness of oil and gas prices.
    • The escalation of geopolitical tensions and the dissolution of trade agreements.
    • The escalation of piracy, crew hijacking and other maritime security risks.
    • The high cost of compliance with environmental regulations.

    Outlook

    2020 has been a year of profound upheaval and unprecedented disruption for the sea, coastal and inland water transport industry. Despite substantial challenges, particularly during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, the shipping industry has continued to deliver vital supplies. The virus has affected the industry’s workforce and many seafarers have lost their lives, while others have been stranded at sea for several months during the pandemic, without the prospect of shore leave or the opportunity to travel home to their families. As president Akufo-Addo prepares to start his second term in office, commentators say that the government’s pandemic response, separatist activity in eastern Ghana's Volta region and economic recovery are likely to dominate his agenda. With Ghana’s economic growth rate for 2020 plunging to depths last recorded 30 years ago, analysts say that 2021 is likely to be another year of austerity as the country’s leadership grapples with ballooning debt. However, some role players say that with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in Accra and free intra-African trade set to begin in January 2021, the tide could be turning, particularly for companies providing coastwise and inland waterborne transportation services.

    Read More..
    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana
    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana 2020

    Full Report

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $112.25 (USD)*

    Buy Now +

    Industry Landscape

    R 1 330.00(ZAR) estimated $ 78.58 (USD)*

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    Historical Reports

    Sea and Coastal Water Transport Industry in Ghana 2025-09-30

    R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1181.60 (USD)*

    View Report Add to Cart

    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. COUNTRY PROFILE 1
    2.1. Geographic Position 2
    3. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 5
    3.1. Industry Value Chain 7
    4. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 8
    5. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 10
    5.1. Local 10
    5.1.1. Trade 12
    5.1.2. Corporate Actions 15
    5.1.3. Regulations 16
    5.2. Continental 18
    5.3. International 20
    6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 27
    6.1. Coronavirus 27
    6.2. Economic Environment 28
    6.3. Rising Input Costs 29
    6.4. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 29
    6.5. Government Interventions 31
    6.6. Environmental Concerns 31
    6.7. Labour 33
    6.8. Off-shore Oil and Gas 34
    6.9. Piracy 34
    7. COMPETITION 35
    7.1. Barriers to Entry 36
    8. SWOT ANALYSIS 36
    9. OUTLOOK 37
    10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 38
    11. REFERENCES 38
    11.1. Publications 38
    11.2. Websites 39
    APPENDIX 1 40
    Ghana’s Seaborne Trade - 2019: Shipping Lines and Charterers (volumes in tons) 40
    APPENDIX 2 45
    Ghana’s Containerised Cargo Trade - 2019: Shipping Lines and Charterers (Volumes in TEUs) 45
    APPENDIX 3 46
    Summary of Notable Players 46
    COMPANY PROFILES 48
    BLUCHIP LOGISTICS LTD 48
    BOLLORE TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS GHANA LTD 50
    BULK OIL STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION COMPANY LTD 52
    CMA CGM GHANA LTD 54
    GMT SHIPPING GHANA LTD 56
    HULL BLYTH GHANA LTD 57
    INTER MARITIME SERVICES LTD 59
    INTERMODAL SHIPPING AGENCIES GHANA LTD 61
    LOGICAL MARITIME SERVICES LTD 62
    MAERSK GHANA LTD 64
    MERIDIAN PORT SERVICES LTD 66
    MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY GHANA LTD 69
    OMAROIL AGENCY LTD 71
    PIL (GHANA) LTD 73
    R&G LOGISTICS LTD 75
    RACHANS LOGISTICS LTD 77
    RICH FREIGHT SERVICES LTD 79
    SHARAF SHIPPING AGENCY LTD 81
    SPEL OIL COMPANY LTD 83
    SUPERMARITIME (GHANA) LTD 84
    VOLTA LAKE TRANSPORT COMPANY LTD 86

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