Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE GH TEM

Tema, Ghana

Ghana · 5.63° N, 0.02° E

The World Port Index classes Tema as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Gulf of Guinea. It records a channel depth of 12.5 m and a cargo pier depth of 19 m. Norfolk is 8,420 km away in a straight line.

8,420 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
12.5 m
Cargo pier depth
19 m
Max vessel length
366.5 m
From Norfolk
8,420 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Takoradi210 km away

Depths and vessel limits

The index sets a maximum vessel length of 366.5 m and a maximum draft of 16 m.

Channel depth
12.5 m
Anchorage depth
54 m
Cargo pier depth
19 m
Oil terminal depth
25 m
Tidal range
1.6 m
Entrance width
240 m
Maximum vessel length
366.5 m
Maximum vessel beam
51.2 m
Maximum vessel draft
16 m
Offshore maximum vessel length
275 m
Offshore maximum vessel draft
275 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Tema is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Port security
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes
Entrance restricted by swell
Yes
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

Cargo facilities on record: container, ro-ro, breakbulk, solid bulk and liquid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is 50 to 100 tons.

Container
Yes
Ro-ro
Yes
Breakbulk
Yes
Solid bulk
Yes
Liquid bulk
Yes
Oil terminal
Yes
Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Dry dock
Medium
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
Yes
Engine supplies
Yes
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with Ghana

US exports, 2025
$1.3BLed by vehicles and parts
US imports, 2025
$1.2BLed by cocoa and cocoa products

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Ghana

Other ports in Ghana

The nearest is Takoradi, 210 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.