Top Shipping Companies in Ghana (2025): An Authoritative Industry Insight
Ghana’s shipping industry in 2025 is one of the most dynamic sectors in West Africa. With Tema and Takoradi ports serving as the main gateways for international trade, the country has become a crucial hub for regional commerce and a lifeline for neighboring landlocked states such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
This growth is being shaped by global shipping leaders, resilient local logistics providers, and new regulations that are transforming how the industry operates. For businesses, investors, and policymakers, understanding the top shipping Shipping Companies Regulatory reforms in Ghana Ghana is vital to navigating today’s competitive and opportunity-rich landscape.
A Strong Economic and Maritime Foundation
Ghana’s economy has shown remarkable resilience. GDP growth reached 5.7 percent in 2024, supported by a stronger cedi and expanding manufacturing and services. Imports surpassed 17 billion US dollars while exports to the United States alone reached 1.2 billion US dollars. These fundamentals continue to fuel demand for reliable shipping and Logistics services.
The African Continental Free Trade Area has further boosted Ghana’s position as a regional trade gateway. With direct global connections and strategic Atlantic ports, Ghana has become a preferred hub for both international trade and intra-African commerce.
Regulatory Reforms Driving Transparency
The most significant change in 2025 is the regulatory shift that has reshaped how shipping companies operate. The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act of 2024 gave the authority new powers to regulate tariffs and charges, cutting back on excessive costs that burdened businesses. At the same time, the Bank of Ghana issued rules requiring shipping lines to use exchange rates tied to the official interbank rate.
Together, these reforms have created a transparent and predictable business environment, making Ghana an attractive and dependable hub for trade.
The Leading International Shipping Companies
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
MSC is the largest shipping operator in Ghana, moving more than 200,000 containers each year. With offices in Tema and Takoradi, the company has won multiple awards that highlight its industry leadership. Its acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics, now rebranded as Africa Global Logistics, transformed MSC into a fully integrated logistics powerhouse with control from ports to inland delivery.
This integration makes MSC a strong choice for end-to-end solutions, although ongoing scrutiny of Bolloré’s past port deals continues to pose reputational risks.
A.P. Moller-Maersk Group
Maersk has earned its reputation in Ghana through technology-driven logistics and customer service excellence. In addition to shipping, the company offers inland transport via barges, tugboats, and trucks, enabling seamless movement of goods from ports to destinations. Its investment in real-time cargo tracking, simplified invoicing, and guaranteed loading has positioned it as one of the most efficient and trusted operators.
CMA CGM Group
CMA CGM, supported by CEVA Logistics, delivers sea, land, and air solutions with a strong focus on regional integration. Its Through Bill of Lading service connects Ghana directly to landlocked neighbors, strengthening the country’s role as a trade hub under AfCFTA. The company operates from offices in Tema and Sekondi-Takoradi, reinforcing its local presence.
Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd has placed Ghana at the center of its West African strategy, basing its regional headquarters in Tema. The company combines its global fleet with digital tools such as online quoting, booking, and cargo tracking, ensuring efficiency and transparency for shippers.
Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Ocean Network Express has expanded its services in Ghana with a fleet capacity of more than 1.9 million TEU and over 240 global port calls. Its expanded operations in 2025 ensure stronger links between Ghana and major global markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Local and Regional Logistics Champions
McDan Group of Companies
Founded in 1999, McDan has evolved into one of Ghana’s most diversified logistics providers. It offers shipping, customs clearance, haulage, warehousing, and even chartered cargo flights. McDan remains the only Ghanaian company with an Air Carrier License, a capability that sets it apart in the local market. The company has earned awards for excellence, although ongoing financial investigations have raised reputational concerns that businesses must consider.
OMA Group
OMA Group has been operating in Ghana since 1982. Based in Accra, it has provided decades of logistics and sea Ghana’s shipping industry, establishing itself as one of the most reliable long-term players in the market.
Niche Operators
Smaller firms such as Ghana Door-to-Door Shipping and SFL Worldwide fill important gaps in the market. These companies specialize in shipments from countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, offering door-to-door solutions that are especially valuable to SMEs and individuals. Their competitive edge comes from personalized service and transparency that larger liners often overlook.
Competitive Outlook
The Ghanaian shipping sector is highly competitive. International giants such as MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM dominate through scale and integrated solutions. Companies like Hapag-Lloyd and ONE strengthen Ghana’s global connectivity. At the same time, local operators such as McDan and OMA thrive by offering flexibility, market knowledge, and personalized services.
With transparency reforms in place, AfCFTA boosting regional trade, and a stable economic outlook, Ghana’s shipping industry is well-positioned for continued growth. New opportunities exist in warehousing, cold chain logistics, last-mile delivery, and digital solutions that make trade more efficient.
Conclusion
The top shipping companies in Ghana in 2025 represent a powerful combination of global leaders and local specialists. Together, they are transforming Ghana into West Africa’s most important maritime gateway. With regulatory reforms ensuring fair practices, a growing economy driving trade, and AfCFTA expanding opportunities, the future of shipping in Ghana is strong.
For businesses and investors, the decision is no longer only about shipping rates. It is about choosing partners who can deliver transparency, trust, and long-term value in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.