NOTICE TO SHIPPERS IN GHANA
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority wishes to inform importers, exporters and other stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector of emerging developments in global maritime trade arising from the armed conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which escalated on 28 February 2026.
The conflict has resulted in significant disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors. A recent analysis by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that:
- The Strait carries about one-quarter of global seaborne oil
- It also handles significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Approximately one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade (about 16 million tonnes annually) passes through the Strait.
Any disruption to traffic through the Strait therefore has far-reaching consequences for global supply chains, energy markets and agricultural inputs.
- Disruption to Global Shipping Routes
The Strait of Hormuz is a major passage for global energy shipments and containerized cargo moving between Asia, the Middle East and the rest of the world. Following the escalation of hostilities, several major international shipping lines have suspended or rerouted vessel movements through the region.
Most carriers have diverted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa), resulting in longer sailing distances, operational delays and increased shipping costs.
- Introduction of War Risk and Emergency Surcharges
Several major shipping lines have introduced war risk surcharges and emergency conflict surcharges on cargo originating from or transiting through the affected region.
It is a global industry practice for shipping lines to introduce War Risk Surcharges (WRS) and Emergency Surcharges when vessels operate in or near conflict-affected regions. These charges are intended to offset the significant increase in operational risks and costs associated with navigating high-risk maritime areas.
In such situations, marine war risk insurance premiums rise sharply, and shipping companies may incur additional costs related to security measures, rerouting of vessels, longer transit times and higher fuel consumption. These surcharges therefore serve as temporary cost- recovery mechanisms to cover elevated insurance, security and operational expenses until the security situation stabilizes.
Currently announced surcharges include:
- War Risk Surcharge: approximately USD 1,500 – USD 2,000 per TEU
- Additional charges for 40-foot containers and refrigerated containers
- Possible suspension or restriction of bookings from certain Gulf origin ports to West African destinations
These charges are expected to increase the overall cost of imports into Ghana, particularly for goods originating from Asia and the Middle East.
- Possible Implications for Shippers in Ghana
- Higher freight rates and shipping costs
- Longer transit times due to vessel rerouting
- Supply chain disruptions for certain commodities
- Possible increase in landed cost of imported goods
- Delays in vessel availability to the affected region
- Changes in shipping schedules
- Advisory to Shippers
In light of these developments, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority advises shippers in Ghana to:
- Engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics providers regarding freight rates and surcharges
- Factor potential shipping delays and cost adjustments into contractual and commercial planning
- Review insurance arrangements where necessary
- Monitor developments in global shipping routes and fuel prices
The Authority will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide further updates where necessary.
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 Authority regulates charges of Shipping Service Providers to ensure fairness, protection of the interest of the Ghanaian consumer and reduction in the cost of doing business.
The Authority has been inundated with social media reports of the imposition of war risk surcharges even before the conflict in the Middle East broke. This is currently being investigated, and we assure the shipping public that where there are breaches and unfair treatments, we would forcefully address them.
FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION OR ASSISTANCE, SHIPPERS MAY CONTACT THE GHANA SHIPPERS’ AUTHORITY.
Signed.
GHANA SHIPPERS’ AUTHORITY
11TH MARCH 2026
