Tema Port in Ghana: Everything You Need to Know

Tema Port is the largest port in Ghana, located on the eastern coast of the country. It covers a vast area of 3.9 million square meters and is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.

The port receives an average of over 1,511 vessel calls per year, making it a crucial hub for international trade in the region.

The history of Tema Port dates back to the colonial era when British officers proposed its construction in the Gold Coast.

Today, the port is a member of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) and has 21 berths with draughts ranging from 8.2 to 16m.

Terminals 1 and 2 have 16 berths, which serve as multipurpose berths, excluding Valco and Oil Berth. Terminal 3 is a dedicated container terminal that currently operates three berths and can receive container ships of 366m LOA and 16 meters draught.

Key Takeaways

• Tema Port is the largest port in Ghana and a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
• The port has 21 berths with draughts ranging from 8.2 to 16m and a dedicated container terminal that can receive large ships.
• Tema Port has a rich history dating back to the colonial era and is a member of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

Location of Tema Port

Tema Port is located on the eastern coast of Ghana, West Africa. It is situated about 25 kilometers east of the capital city of Accra, and it is the largest port in the country. The port covers an area of 3.9 million square meters of land and receives an average of over 1,511 vessel calls per year.

Tema Port is uniquely situated and geographically closest to the center of the world than any other port. Its strategic position allows for the passage of the Greenwich Meridian (Longitude 0° 00.0′) and provides for a time zone of GMT + 0000 hours at all times. This makes it the perfect hub for containerized cargo, general cargo, tankers, Ro-Ro, and cruise vessels.

The port is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, rail, and air. The Tema Motorway, which runs from Accra to Tema, provides easy access to the port. The port also has a railway station that connects it to the rest of the country’s rail network. The Kotoka International Airport, which is located in Accra, is the nearest airport to the port and is only about 30 kilometers away.

Tema Port is managed by the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), which is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of all ports in Ghana. The GPHA has invested heavily in modernizing the port’s infrastructure, including the construction of new container terminals, warehouses, and other facilities.

Overall, the location of Tema Port makes it an ideal gateway to West Africa and beyond. Its strategic position, excellent connectivity, and modern infrastructure make it one of the most important ports in the region.

Historical Background

Tema Port is the largest port in Ghana, located on the eastern coast of the country. Its construction began in 1954 by Sir William Halcrow and partners. The general port plan originally comprised of two breakwaters enclosing an area of 500 acres of water with twelve berths, eight of which were situated on two quays, four transit sheds, offices, two cocoa sheds and sites for a dry dock, a slipway and a workshop.

The port was officially opened on 10th January 1962 by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. The port was named the Tema Port and was designed to handle the increasing volume of trade in the country. Since then, it has grown to become the premier port of Ghana, handling over 80% of the country’s seaborne trade.

Over the years, the port has undergone several expansions and upgrades to keep up with the growing demand for its services. In 1978, the port was expanded to include a new container terminal, which was later upgraded in 1996 to accommodate larger vessels. In 2004, a new multi-purpose terminal was added, increasing the port’s capacity to handle more cargo.

Today, the port spans over 3.9 million square meters of land area and receives an average of over 1511 vessel calls per year. These vessels comprise container vessels, general cargo vessels, tankers, Ro-Ro, and cruise vessels, among many others. The port deals with general cargo, heavy dry and liquid bulk, and imported vehicles.

Port Facilities

Tema Port is the largest port in Ghana, situated on the eastern coast of the country. It offers a wide range of facilities to cater to the needs of customers. The following sub-sections highlight the port facilities in more detail.

Cargo Handling

Tema Port offers efficient and reliable cargo handling services. It has modern cargo handling equipment, including gantry cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts, which are operated by well-trained personnel. The port handles various types of cargo, including containers, breakbulk, and bulk cargo.

Storage Facilities

Tema Port has a total paved area of 77,200 square meters for the storage of containers, steel products, and other conventional cargo. The port also has a warehouse complex with a total area of 20,000 square meters. The warehouse complex has various facilities, including a cold room, a dangerous goods store, and a transit shed. The port also offers open storage for vehicles and heavy equipment.

Port Equipment

Tema Port has modern port equipment that ensures efficient and reliable operations. The port has a total of 16 gantry cranes, which are used for the handling of containers. The port also has reach stackers, forklifts, and other cargo handling equipment. The equipment is regularly serviced and maintained to ensure that they are in good working condition.

In summary, Tema Port offers efficient and reliable cargo handling services, storage facilities, and modern port equipment. These facilities make it an ideal port for importers and exporters in Ghana and the West African sub-region.

Operations of Tema Port

Shipping Services

Tema Port is the largest port in Ghana, located on the eastern coast of the country. The port provides a range of shipping services, including container vessels, general cargo vessels, tankers, Ro-Ro, and cruise vessels. The port receives an average of over 1511 vessel calls per year.

Ships calling Tema Port are required to provide a 72-hour Pre-Arrival Notification in advance of ships declared Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) by 1430 hours GMT on Monday to Thursday and before 1000 hours GMT on Friday for weekend working. The anchorage area of Tema Port is extensive and bounded by specific coordinates.

The port maintains a 24-hour watch on VHF Channels 14 and 16 and any other convenient channel. This signal station can reach vessels 140 km away. During harmattan conditions, vessels can hear the signal 400 km from port. The Port of Tema is linked with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Cargo Operations

Customs clearance of cargo through the Port involves dealing with a number of logistics service providers and governmental bodies to fulfil all contractual and tax obligations that might be associated with the import consignment. The agencies include Customs, the Port, other receipt delivery service providers, shipping lines, and agents.

Main working hours are 07.30-19.30 hours GMT. Two or three shifts can be worked at the request of the vessel. The Port of Tema provides 24-hour bunkering services daily, either within the port, anchorage, or offshore. Drydock and slipway facilities are available around the Tema Port.

In conclusion, Tema Port offers a range of shipping services and cargo operations to ensure that goods are transported and cleared efficiently. The port is equipped with modern facilities and technology to provide a safe and secure environment for vessels and cargo.

Economic Impact

The Port of Tema is the primary and most crucial port in Ghana, handling about 70% of the country’s trade, making it a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The port serves as a gateway for imports and exports, connecting Ghana to the rest of the world and facilitating international trade.

The Port of Tema generates significant revenue for the Ghanaian government, contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The port’s operations and activities also provide employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians, ranging from skilled to unskilled labor. The port’s contribution to the economy extends beyond direct employment, as it also supports related industries such as transportation, warehousing, and logistics.

The Port of Tema has undergone significant modernization and expansion in recent years, thanks to investments made by the Ghanaian government and private sector stakeholders. The expansion has led to increased cargo volumes, which have resulted in increased revenue for the country. The port’s investment in modern technology has also enhanced its operations, including cargo handling, which has improved efficiency and reduced turnaround times.

The Port of Tema’s strategic location in West Africa makes it a preferred choice for shipping lines, importers, and exporters. The port’s facilities and services, including berths, warehouses, and container terminals, are well-equipped to handle a wide range of cargo, including bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo. The port’s efficiency and reliability have made it a hub for trade in the West African sub-region, contributing to the economic growth and development of the region.

In summary, the Port of Tema plays a crucial role in the Ghanaian economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and providing employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians. The port’s modernization and expansion have improved its efficiency and enhanced its operations, making it a preferred choice for shipping lines, importers, and exporters.

Challenges and Solutions

The Port of Tema is a vital gateway to Ghana’s economy, but it is not without its challenges. Here are some of the main issues that the port faces, along with some of the solutions that have been proposed or implemented.

Congestion

One of the biggest challenges facing the Port of Tema is congestion. The port is the busiest in Ghana, and it handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, general cargo, and vehicles. As a result, there are often long delays in getting cargo in and out of the port.

To address this issue, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has implemented a number of measures, such as the introduction of an automated gate system to speed up the processing of cargo, and the construction of new storage facilities to reduce the amount of cargo that needs to be moved through the port at any given time.

Security

Another challenge facing the Port of Tema is security. The port is a major target for criminals, who see it as a source of valuable cargo. In recent years, there have been a number of incidents of theft and vandalism at the port.

To address this issue, the GPHA has implemented a number of measures, such as the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of additional security personnel. The GPHA has also worked closely with the Ghana Police Service to improve security at the port.

Infrastructure

The Port of Tema is also facing challenges with its infrastructure. The port is in need of major upgrades to its facilities, including its quays and berths, to accommodate larger vessels and more cargo.

To address this issue, the GPHA has embarked on a number of infrastructure projects, such as the Tema Port Expansion Project, which will add four new berths to the port and increase its capacity to handle larger vessels. The GPHA has also worked with the government of Ghana to secure funding for these projects.

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is another issue facing the Port of Tema. The process of getting cargo through customs can be slow and cumbersome, which can lead to delays and increased costs for importers and exporters.

To address this issue, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has implemented a number of measures, such as the introduction of a risk management system to speed up the processing of cargo, and the implementation of a single window system to streamline the customs clearance process. The GRA has also worked with the GPHA to improve communication and coordination between the two organizations.

Future Developments

Tema Port has a long-term vision of becoming the leading port in West Africa. To achieve this, the government of Ghana and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) have embarked on several expansion projects. These projects are aimed at increasing the port’s capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness in the region.

One of the most significant upcoming projects is the Tema Port Expansion Project (TPEP). This project, which began in 2016, is expected to be completed in phases by 2023. The TPEP involves dredging a 19-meter-deep port access channel, constructing a new 1.4-kilometer-long quay to house four 16-meter-deep container berths, and building a 4-kilometer-long rubble mound breakwater. Once completed, the expanded Tema Port will be able to handle up to three million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) per year, which is triple its current capacity.

In addition to the TPEP, there are plans to construct a new multipurpose terminal at the port. The terminal will be used to handle various types of cargo, including dry bulk, liquid bulk, and general cargo. The terminal will also have facilities for the handling of containers and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo. This development is expected to attract more shipping lines and increase the port’s cargo throughput.

Moreover, the government of Ghana has plans to link the port with the hinterland through the construction of a railway line. The railway line will connect the port with the northern regions of Ghana and neighboring landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali. This will facilitate the movement of cargo between the port and the hinterland and reduce the cost of transportation.

Overall, these developments are expected to position Tema Port as a major hub in West Africa and enhance its contribution to the growth and development of Ghana’s economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tema Port located?

Tema Port is located on the eastern coast of Ghana, in the city of Tema. It is the largest port in Ghana, covering a land area of 3.9 million square meters.

What are the working hours of Tema Port?

Tema Port is open seven days a week, all year round, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday when ships are handled only in emergencies. The main working hours are from 07:30 to 19:30 hours GMT. Two or three shifts can be worked at the request of the vessel.

What is the code for Tema Port?

The UN/LOCODE for Tema Port is GHTEM.

What is the significance of Tema Port?

Tema Port is a major gateway for imports and exports in Ghana. It receives an average of over 1,500 vessel calls per year, comprising container vessels, general cargo vessels, tankers, Ro-Ro, and cruise vessels. The port deals with general cargo, heavy dry and liquid bulk, and imported vehicles.

What type of port is Tema Port?

Tema Port is a seaport.

What is the history of Tema Port?

Tema Port was opened in 1962 and has since become the largest port in Ghana. Over the years, the port has undergone several upgrades and expansions to accommodate the increasing volume of trade. Today, it is a vital hub for trade in West Africa and plays a significant role in the economic development of Ghana.