By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Mar. 12, GNA – The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has advised shippers in Ghana to engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics providers regarding freight rates and related surcharges to avoid disruptions in their operations.
It urged importers and exporters to factor potential shipping delays and possible cost adjustments into their contractual and commercial planning.
The Authority in a statement issued in Accra alerted importers, exporters and stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector to emerging developments in global maritime trade following the escalation of the armed conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on February 28, 2026.
It said the conflict had disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors linking Asia, the Middle East and other global markets.
The statement said analysis by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed that the Strait carries about one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade, significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and nearly one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade, estimated at about 16 million tonnes annually.
“The disruptions have compelled several major international shipping lines to suspend or reroute vessel movements through the region,” it added.
It said many carriers were diverting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a development expected to increase sailing distances, cause oper
ational delays and raise shipping costs.
The Authority also noted that some shipping lines have introduced war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on cargo moving through or originating from the affected region.
Such charges, it explained, are standard industry measures aimed at offsetting the higher insurance premiums, security costs, longer transit times and increased fuel consumption associated with navigating high-risk maritime zones.
Current estimates indicate that war risk surcharges could range between 1,500 and 2,000 US dollars per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with additional charges expected for 40-foot and refrigerated containers.
Some carriers may also restrict or suspend bookings from certain Gulf ports to West African destinations.
It cautioned that the situation could lead to higher freight rates, longer transit times and possible supply chain disruptions for some commodities imported into Ghana, ultimately increasing the landed cost of goods and affecting shipping schedules.
It also encouraged shippers to review their insurance arrangements where necessary and closely monitor developments in global shipping routes and fuel prices.
The GSA said it would continue to monitor the evolving situation in the global shipping industry and provide updates to stakeholders when necessary.
The Authority, however, clarified that it had not imposed any surcharges on shipments on behalf of shipping lines.
“It must be clearly stated that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has not and does not impose surcharges on shipments on behalf of shipping lines,” the statement emphasised.
The GSA explained that its mandate was to regulate charges by shipping service providers to ensure fairness, protect the interests of Ghanaian consumers and help reduce the cost of doing business.
The Authority said it had been inundated with social media reports alleging the imposition of war risk surcharges even before the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.
It said the matter was currently under investigation.
The Authority assured the shipping public that any breaches or unfair treatment discovered in the process would be addressed firmly to safeguard the interests of shippers in the country.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah