Shipping to and from Ghana
MSC Ghana has been supporting customers to ship cargo in and out of the Republic of Ghana since 2007. Today, we operate five dedicated services, connecting 200 global routes and moving more than 200,000 TEU every year.
Awards for MSC GHANA
- Export Liner of the Year 2019 by Ghana shippers Authority
- Ghana Cocoa awards Shipping Line of the Year 2021
Contact our local MSC Ghana team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services
Detention, demurrage, Per Diem and storage charges
Detention is the charge applicable on export containers when containers remain with customers and not returned full for export before the free days expire.
What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable when the free days expire on import containers until they are returned empty to our depot.
In case of a demurrage dispute, email GH526-helpdesk.tema@msc.com (with as email subject: Dispute + Invoice Number), describing the reasons for the dispute.
SOLAS VGM information for Ghana
What is VGM?
Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
In line with Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, we request all our export customers to provide VGM certificate before cargo is loaded. Customers use third party VGM service providers to weigh their containers.
What to include in VGM instructions
You must include the following on all VGM instructions:
- Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
- Container number
- VGM and weight measurement unit (lbs or kgs)
- Name of responsible party
How to submit VGM instructions
VGM instructions should be submitted on myMSC (free of charge).
Prohibited cargo
As per general MSC rules and subject to the destination of the shipment, the following are prohibited:
- Fireworks, ammunition, small arms
- Second-hand empty gas cylinders
- Frozen turkey tails
- Ammonium nitrate
- Second-hand mattresses
- Second-hand tyres (subject to the approval of MSC Ghana)
- Used refrigerators, used fridge-freezers, used freezers and used refrigeration compressors (motors)
In line with Ghana's obligations under the Montreal Protocol and The Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2008 (L.I.1932), the government of Ghana has completely banned the import of used refrigerators, used fridge-freezers, used freezers and used refrigeration compressors (motors). Booking agents should immediately stop accepting such cargo to Ghana (Tema and Takoradi) as MSC may be held responsible when discharging containers infringing the law.
List of terminals
Ports and terminals
MSC operates services to and from the following ports and terminals in Ghana, with local teams in each location to support our customers.
Terminal Name | MSC Code | Port | UNCode |
GHANA PORT AND HARBOUR AUTHORITIES | GHTEMGP | TEMA | GHTEM |
MERIDIAN PORT SERVICE LIMITED | GHTEMMP | TEMA | GHTEM |
GHANA PORT AND HARBOURS AUTHORITY | GHTKDGP | TAKORADI | GHTKD |
ATLANTIC PORT SERVICES | TBA | TAKORADI | GHTKD |
Cargo Loading
Container Weighing (VGM)
All MSC local offices provide certified scales to record and verify container weight (verified gross mass or VGM) in line with Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. VGM instructions are mandatory for all shipments for safety reasons and vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been appropriately verified. Contact your local MSC team for more information and support.
Our Solutions
As well as being a global leader in container shipping, our worldwide teams of industry specific experts mean we can offer our customers round-the-clock personalised service. This ensures we deliver fast and reliable transit times, and that we provide the best solutions for your needs.
As well as being a global leader in container shipping, our worldwide teams of industry specific experts mean we can offer our customers round-the-clock personalised service. This ensures we deliver fast and reliable transit times, and that we provide the best solutions for your needs.
Results not found
Last update: 2024-12-23T02:39:00