Connecting Ghana's Trade to the World Since 1998

MSC has been proudly serving Ghana since 1998, connecting businesses to global trade through our extensive shipping and logistics network. Over the years, we have grown into one of Ghana's leading container shipping and logistics providers, supporting the transportation of key export commodities such as cocoa, cashew nuts, timber, and other strategic cargoes that drive the country's international trade.

With our Ghana headquarters in Tema and branch offices in Takoradi and Kumasi, our team of local experts delivers reliable shipping, intermodal, and supply chain solutions tailored to the needs of importers and exporters. By combining deep knowledge of the Ghanaian market with the strength of MSC's global network, we help customers move cargo efficiently and confidently to destinations around the world.

Awards for MSC GHANA

Shipping Line of the Year 2019, 2024 and 2025 by the Ghana Shippers Authority
Export Liner of the Year 2019, 2024 and 2025 by Ghana shippers Authority
Shipping Line of the Year 2021 by the Ghana Cocoa awards
Shipping Company of the Year by the Ghana Agricultural and Agro-processing Awards

Contact our local MSC Ghana team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services

LOCAL OFFICES INFORMATION

What is detention?
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.

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).

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.

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

MSC's cargo handling facilities are strategically located to ensure the efficient and timely loading of goods for export and import. We also provide cargo consolidation, loading and re-loading, packing, unpacking and cross-loading services from containers to trucks.

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.

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