By The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) is warning importers and exporters in Ghana to prepare for higher shipping costs and possible delays following disruptions to global maritime trade caused by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a notice to shippers, the Authority said the conflict, which escalated on February 28, 2026, has significantly affected vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
According to the Authority, the Strait plays a critical role in global trade flows.
“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,” the notice stated.
Analysis by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that the Strait carries about one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade, significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and roughly one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade.
The Authority warned that disruptions in the area could have widespread effects on supply chains.
“Any disruption to traffic through the Strait therefore has far-reaching consequences for global supply chains, energy markets and agricultural inputs,” the notice explained.
Several international shipping lines have already begun adjusting their operations due to security concerns in the region.
“Following the escalation of hostilities, several major international shipping lines have suspended or rerouted vessel movements through the region,” the Authority said.
Many vessels are now diverting through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, which significantly increases sailing distances and operational costs.
As a result, shipping companies have introduced war-risk and emergency surcharges on cargo moving through the affected region.
“It is a global industry practice for shipping lines to introduce War Risk Surcharges and Emergency Surcharges when vessels operate in or near conflict-affected regions,” the Authority noted.
According to the notice, the charges are meant to offset rising insurance premiums and other operational costs linked to navigating high-risk maritime areas.
“These charges are intended to offset the significant increase in operational risks and costs associated with navigating high-risk maritime areas,” it added.
Industry estimates show that war risk surcharges could range between 1,500 and 2,000 US dollars per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with additional charges expected for larger and refrigerated containers.
The GSA warned that the situation could result in higher freight rates, longer transit times and possible supply chain disruptions for certain commodities entering Ghana. However, the Authority clarified that it does not impose such charges.
“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 notice emphasized.
The Authority also said it is investigating reports circulating on social media about the early imposition of war risk surcharges before the conflict escalated.
“Where there are breaches and unfair treatments, we would forcefully address them,” it assured.
The Authority says it will continue to monitor developments in global shipping and provide updates to stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.
