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Report by Edward FRIMPONG
As part of efforts to reduce payment of demurrage to the barest minimum, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has outlined measures shippers can use to avoid it.
Demurrage as explained by the Ghana Shippers’Authority is the charge imposed by a shipping line on a shipper for not taking delivery of a container out of the port terminal after the allowable seven free days given for clearance expires.
According to Ghana Shippers Authority, every year Ghana loses several millions of dollars through the payment of demurrage by Shippers.
However, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority as part of its commitment to protecting and promoting the interest of shippers and reducing the cost of doing at the ports of Tema and Takoradi, continues to educate sensitive Shippers on ways to avoid demurrage.
As a result, the total demurrage payment in 2016 had reduced from $95 million to $19.5 million in 2021.
In order to refrain from paying demurrage, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in their quest has issued ten guidelines for shippers to comply. The ten guidelines are as follows:
1: Make sure you clear your cargo within the allowable seven free days
2: Use genuine shipping documents i.e Bill of lading, packing list, and commercial invoice.
3: Provide correct information on shipping documents
4: Start the process to clear cargo before the vessel arrives
5: Know the estimated import duty and other charges on your cargo before you import.
6: Have the required funds to cover the estimated cost of clearing your cargo before it arrives
7: Engage the services of competent and reliable freight forwarders/clearing agents to clear your cargoes
8: Negotiate for demurrage terms including additional free days through your supplier if importing on CIF terms
9: Communicate regularly with the shipper, your freight forwarder, and the agent to keep track of the movement of cargo.
10: Seek advice and report your shipping problems to the Ghana Shippers’Authority for redress to avoid delays.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority wishes to urge the general public to contact 0302-666915-7 or visit www.shippers.org.gh for further inquiries.
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