Accra: The Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) has moved to safeguard local businesses and consumers following the imposition of War Risk Surcharges (WRS) and emergency conflict surcharges by international shipping lines after the escalation of hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
According to Ghana Web, the conflict has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope and raising shipping costs. The GSA, in a statement, clarified that all surcharges are imposed by shipping lines, not local authorities, and reiterated its regulatory mandate to ensure fairness in the sector.
The GSA emphasized that it does not impose surcharges on behalf of shipping lines. Shipping lines have introduced surcharges ranging from US$1,500 to US$2,000 per Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), with additional charges for 40-foot containers and refrigerated cargo. These measures are designed to cover elevated insurance premiums, security costs, and operational risks. However, early reports suggest that some lines imposed surcharges even before the conflict escalated, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
The Authority has received numerous complaints from importers and exporters via social media regarding the imposition of war risk surcharges before the conflict in the Middle East broke out. This situation is under investigation, and the GSA assures the shipping public that any breaches and unfair treatments will be addressed.
The GSA's oversight includes regulating shipping service providers' charges to reduce business costs for Ghanaian companies and protect local consumers. The situation has broader implications for Ghana's import-dependent economy, with rising freight rates and landed costs, particularly for goods originating from Asia and the Middle East.
Longer transit times, delayed vessel availability, and fluctuating fuel prices further complicate logistics planning for local businesses. To mitigate these risks, the GSA advises shippers to engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics providers regarding freight rates and surcharges. They should also factor potential shipping delays and cost adjustments into commercial contracts and operational planning.
The Authority calls for a review of insurance arrangements to ensure adequate coverage against geopolitical and operational risks, and monitoring of developments in global shipping routes and fuel prices. The GSA will continue monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz and global maritime trade, providing timely updates to support the shipping and logistics sector.
The GSA encourages importers and exporters to remain vigilant and plan strategically to navigate the evolving situation.