The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has cautioned importers and exporters to prepare for higher freight charges and possible shipping delays as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt global maritime trade routes.
In a notice issued to industry stakeholders on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Authority said the escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran are already affecting vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic shipping corridors.
The GSA explained that the conflict, which intensified on February 28, 2026, has raised serious concerns among global shipping companies, many of which are now reassessing their routes due to security risks in the region.
Citing an analysis by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Authority noted that the Strait of Hormuz handles nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade, large volumes of liquefied natural gas and close to one-third of global fertiliser shipments.
Any disruption in that critical passage, the Authority said, poses significant risks to international supply chains and maritime trade flows.
According to the GSA, several international shipping lines have already begun suspending or rerouting vessels away from the conflict zone as a precautionary measure.
Many ships are now opting to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a much longer route that significantly increases voyage time, fuel consumption and operational costs.
These developments have prompted shipping companies to introduce war-risk and emergency surcharges on cargo moving through or near the affected areas — a standard industry practice when vessels operate in high-risk maritime zones.
Industry estimates suggest that the war-risk surcharge could range between $1,500 and $2,000 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with even higher charges expected for larger or refrigerated containers.
The GSA warned that the additional costs and longer shipping routes could translate into higher freight rates and extended transit times for goods destined for Ghana, potentially increasing the overall cost of imports.
However, the Authority clarified that it does not impose such surcharges on cargo.
“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 statement emphasised.
The Authority also disclosed that it has begun investigating reports circulating on social media suggesting that some shipping operators may have introduced war-risk surcharges even before the recent escalation of the conflict.
It assured stakeholders that any unfair or unjustified charges identified through the review process would be addressed in accordance with regulatory procedures.
Industry Advisory
In light of the emerging global shipping disruptions, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has advised businesses engaged in international trade to take precautionary steps.
Importers and exporters are being urged to engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics service providers to understand potential freight rate adjustments and surcharges.
Businesses are also encouraged to factor possible shipping delays and higher logistics costs into their commercial and contractual planning.
The Authority further advised companies to review their insurance arrangements where necessary and closely monitor developments in global shipping routes and fuel prices.
The GSA said it will continue to track developments in international shipping markets and provide timely updates to stakeholders in Ghana’s import and export sector as the situation evolves.
