UN/LOCODE GH TEM: Port of Tema Port, Ghana — Seaport
Location
| Coordinates | 5.63, -0.01 |
|---|---|
| Country | Ghana |
| Function | Ghana's Primary Container Port, West Africa Trade Gateway |
| Authority | Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) |
Physical Specifications
| Max Draft | 16.0m (MPS Terminal), 9.5m (Main Dock) |
|---|---|
| Channel Depth | 16.5m |
| Tide Range | 1.2m |
| Berth Length | 1,000m (MPS), 2,500m (total) |
| Anchorage Depth | 20m |
Administrative
| Customs Code | GHTEM |
|---|---|
| IMO Facility No. | Yes |
| Working Hours | 24/7 |
| ISPS Compliance | Yes (Level 1) |
| VHF Channel | 16 (Call), 12 (Port Ops) |
| Port Website | www.ghanaports.gov.gh |
Commercial & Logistics
| Annual Volume | 1,500,000 |
|---|---|
| Primary Cargo Types | Container (Consumer Goods, Machinery), Cocoa, Manganese, Bauxite, Petroleum Products |
| Vessel Types | Container, RoRo, General Cargo, Tanker |
| Free Trade Zone | Yes (Tema Free Zone) |
| Bunker Fuel | IFO 380, VLSFO, MGO |
| Nearest Airport | ACC (25km) |
| Rail Connection | Ghana Railway (limited service — rehabilitation underway) |
| Highway Access | N1 (Accra-Tema Motorway), Aflao Road |
| Inland Depots | Tema Free Zone CFS, Accra Logistics Park, AfCFTA Gateway Terminal |
Trade Intelligence: Tema Port
Tema Port is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 1,500,000. The port handles Container (Consumer Goods, Machinery), Cocoa, Manganese, Bauxite, Petroleum Products. As Ghana's Primary Container Port, West Africa Trade Gateway, Tema Port plays a critical role in Ghana's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) before scheduling vessel calls.
Port History
Opened 1962 as Ghana's first deep-water port, replacing the surf-boat port at Takoradi. The $1.5 billion Tema Port Expansion (Phase 1 completed 2019) added a new container terminal operated by Meridian Port Services (MPS) — a joint venture of APM Terminals, Bolloré, and GPHA. The expansion increased capacity from 1M to 3.7M TEU annually. Tema handles approximately 80% of Ghana's maritime trade.
Authority: Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LOCODE for Tema Port?
The UN/LOCODE is GH TEM. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.
What trade routes connect to Tema Port?
Tema Port serves as Ghana's Primary Container Port, West Africa Trade Gateway. NG LOS, CI ABJ, SN DKR, AE DXB, SG SIN, NL RTM
How do I find shipping schedules?
Contact Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE GH TEM.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port specifications compiled from:
- UNECE UN/LOCODE Directory — United Nations official location codes
- Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) — official port authority
- IMO GISIS — maritime facility database
Updated: July 25, 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.