At a glance

Shipowners and Agencies operating in Ghana have worked in an uncoordinated manner in the past. The results were that shipping and related activities were beset with numerous problems. In a bid to provide a strong and well structured network, the Shipowners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG) was formed as a facilitator that would provide a comprehensive and unified front to ensure a successful business and peaceful co-existence in the maritime industry.

Key Milestones of SOAAG & Its Members

MAERSK Line Ghana

  • 1991 – Maersk official establishment date.

  • 1993 – Maersk Office in Takoradi opened

 

SOAAG ESTASBLISHED

  • 1993 – SOAAG is formally established as a professional body representing shipping lines, ship agents, and logistics providers operating in Ghana.

  • Purpose: To advocate for the interests of shipping companies, collaborate with port authorities, and ensure efficient maritime operations.

 

Hull Blyth Ghana

  • 1995 – Becomes one of the first established ship agents serving bulk and general cargo vessels.

 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC Ghana)

  • 1999 – MSC begins operations in Ghana.

2000s – Regulatory Engagement and Port Development

  • 2002 – SOAAG begins formal representation on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Stakeholders Committee, giving it influence on port management decisions.

  • 2004 – Collaborates with Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and other agencies to streamline port clearance procedures.

  • 2007 – Participates in the implementation of GCNet (Ghana Community Network), enhancing trade and customs digitization.

 

Bolloré Transport & Logistics (now AGL – Africa Global Logistics)

  • 2003 – Enters Ghana’s logistics scene with major freight forwarding and port services.

 

Grimaldi Ghana

  • 2004 – Starts RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping services between Europe and Ghana.

 

CMA CGM Ghana

  • 2006 – Commences direct services to Tema and Takoradi.

 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC Ghana)

  • 2008 – Launches dedicated West Africa service routes through the Port of Tema.

2010s – Digitalization and Trade Facilitation

  • 2012 – SOAAG supports paperless port reforms, aiming to reduce corruption and increase cargo handling efficiency.

  • 2016 – Advocates for review of high port charges, prompting national discussions on cost of doing business at Tema and Takoradi ports.

  • 2018 – Active partner in the launch of the Paperless Port System under Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s directive.

 

Mediterranean & Africa Shipping Company Ltd. (MeditAfrica)

  • 2010 – Joins SOAAG as a niche shipping agent for coastal Africa trade.

  • 2018 – Introduces customized shipping logistics for oil and gas sector in Takoradi.

Hull Blyth Ghana

  • 2010 – Accredited with ISO standards for maritime services.

MAERSK Line Ghana

  • 2011 – Launches Maersk Line Ghana Customer Service Center to enhance shipping experience.

  • 2017 – Maersk introduces digital booking platforms in Ghana, streamlining shipment tracking.

Grimaldi Ghana

  • 2012 – Grimaldi Terminal in Tema upgraded to handle increased vehicle and cargo imports.

CMA CGM Ghana

  • 2016 – CMA CGM Ghana pioneers eco-container fleet in West Africa

 

Bolloré Transport & Logistics (now AGL – Africa Global Logistics)

  • 2017 – Manages Terminal 3 at Tema Port through Meridian Port Services (MPS) consortium.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC Ghana)

  • 2019 – Becomes one of the top container carriers in Ghana by volume.

2020s – Resilience, Innovation, and Policy Advocacy

  • 2020 – During the COVID-19 pandemic, SOAAG ensures essential maritime services continue, playing a critical role in cargo movement during lockdowns.

  • 2021 – Participates in Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) readiness discussions, especially on maritime logistics.

  • 2022 – Advocates for automation and harmonization of port charges and addresses challenges with container tracking and demurrage.

  • 2023 – Co-hosts seminars with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) on improving ship turnaround time and port efficiency.

  • 2024 – SOAAG launches a digital dashboard platform for real-time vessel tracking and port agent coordination.

     

    2025 and Beyond

    • 2025 – Celebrating over 30 years of advocacy and service, SOAAG is planning a National Maritime Industry Summit to bring together regulators, shippers, and shipping agents.

    MAERSK Line Ghana

    • 2023 – Opens new logistics office in Tema, reinforcing commitment to trade in West Africa.

 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC Ghana)

  • 2024 – MSC expands warehousing and inland logistics capabilities in Accra and Takoradi.

 

Grimaldi Ghana

  • 2022 – Introduces green shipping initiatives, including vessel emission monitoring.

 

CMA CGM Ghana

  • 2021 – Enhances digital shipping solutions for clients in Ghana.

Hull Blyth Ghana

  • 2023 – Partners with GPHA on berthing priority and turnaround optimization.

 

Bolloré Transport & Logistics (now AGL – Africa Global Logistics)

  • 2022 – Bolloré sold to MSC, forming Africa Global Logistics (AGL), which continues operations in Ghana.

SOAAG’s Collective Achievements with Members

  • Joint lobbying for efficient port infrastructure.

  • Capacity-building workshops for staff of member companies.

  • Standardized ship clearance procedures and digital invoicing.

  • Customs stakeholder reforms and engagement with Ghana Revenue Authority.