Ghana Shipping Authority: Conflict leads to a sharp increase in shipping surcharges, and the shipping cost for wood exports soars.

In a recent notice to shippers, the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) pointed out that the current conflict has seriously disrupted the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key international waterway. This strait is a must-pass for the main shipping routes of most international shipping companies and carries a considerable proportion of global maritime trade. The disruption of shipping and its chain impact on the global supply chain are prompting many international shipping companies to adjust their ship route layouts. 

This move not only raised the operating costs of importers and exporters, but also triggered the imposition of War Risk Surcharge (WRS) and Emergency Risk Surcharge (ERS). It is estimated that these surcharges amount to approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per standard container (TEU), aiming to hedge against the rising insurance costs and increased operational risks.

In response, the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) hereby clarifies that all surcharges are collected by shipping companies and not by government agencies. It also reiterates that its statutory regulatory function is to maintain a fair competitive order in the industry. 

Meanwhile, the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) has issued a warning to importers and exporters, including those in the timber and wood products industry, that the global shipping network disruption caused by the US-Israel-Iran conflict that broke out in February 2026 is expected to drive up shipping costs and pose a risk of delays in cargo transportation. It is reported that in the export market structure of Ghana's timber and wood products, the Middle East accounts for about 3%, while the Far East and Asia account for as high as 62%, making them the core export destinations. 

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