Short answer: You can usually ship a vehicle to Ghana by RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) to Tema, the country’s largest port near the capital, Accra. From Hamburg, the journey follows the West Africa route along the Atlantic coast. As well as cars, lorries, construction machinery and project cargo can also be shipped, using flat racks or containers where required. The key factor is importation: Ghana has its own rules for older second-hand vehicles, so you should check the age restrictions and duties carefully before purchasing and booking.
The key points in 5 points
- Tema is the port of destination for most vehicle imports into Ghana.
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy cars, lorries and construction machinery.
- Flat rack or container Suitable for oversized loads, project loads or vehicles that are not roadworthy.
- Age limits and charges Check the current condition of second-hand cars before buying.
- Documents complete Required documents: commercial invoice, B/L, vehicle documents, proof of export.
What makes the Port of Tema stand out?
Tema lies to the east of Accra and is Ghana’s most important seaport for imports and exports. It serves as the main gateway into the country for vehicles: this is where second-hand cars, commercial vehicles and machinery arrive before being cleared through customs and transported further into the country. Tema lies on the same West African shipping route as Lagos and Abidjan and is therefore regularly served by Ro-Ro services.
What is the route from Hamburg?
From Hamburg, the route takes you across the North Sea and the English Channel into the Atlantic, and then southwards along the West African coast. Many services call at other ports in the region en route, so the transit time depends on the specific timetable and port rotation. Expect the journey to take several weeks and allow for pre- and post-carriage. For a broader overview of the region’s ports and procedures, see our article on Shipping to West Africa.
What sort of cargo can you ship to Tema?
Typical cargo includes used cars, vans and lorries, as well as construction machinery such as excavators and wheel loaders, and project cargo. Roadworthy units are loaded on board via RoRo. Oversized or non-self-propelled goods are loaded onto flat racks, whilst smaller vehicles or those requiring special protection are placed in containers. ODS Orient has been shipping from Hamburg since 1974 and offers RoRo, flat rack and container services all under one roof.
What documents and customs regulations apply?
Key documents include the commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents and proof of export. In Germany, exports are processed via the electronic ATLAS export declaration system, which the German customs explained. Ghana has separate regulations governing the import of older second-hand vehicles, and the duties vary depending on the vehicle. As these regulations are subject to change, please check the age restrictions and duties with the Ghanaian authorities or your importer before purchasing and before making a booking.
How do you prepare the vehicle?
Remove any personal belongings, take photos to document the condition of the items, and check that all the paperwork matches up. Our guide shows you what to do before delivery at the terminal: Ro-Ro Preparation Checklist. You should also clarify at an early stage who will handle customs clearance in Tema.
FAQ
Which port is the port of destination in Ghana?
The main port of destination for vehicles is Tema, near Accra.
How long does shipping to Tema take?
The sea journey from Hamburg usually takes several weeks. The exact duration depends on the timetable and port rotation.
Am I allowed to import any second-hand vehicle into Ghana?
Not necessarily. Ghana has import regulations for older second-hand vehicles, so you should check the age restrictions and duties in advance to ensure they are up to date.
Can I also ship construction machinery to Ghana?
Yes. Roadworthy machinery is transported by RoRo, whilst oversized or non-self-propelled units are transported on flat racks.
How much does shipping to Tema cost?
The costs depend on the vehicle, its dimensions, the method of shipment and the delivery date. Please request a personalised quote for a specific price.
Who is responsible for exports in Germany?
Exports are processed via the ATLAS export declaration. A freight forwarder can take care of this step for you.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
