Container gateway · Ghana
Port of Tema
Tema is a container gateway on the Gulf of Guinea in Ghana (West Africa). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Ghana
- UN/LOCODE
- GHTEM
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- West Africa
- Waters
- Gulf of Guinea
- Coordinates
- 5.63°N, 0.00°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 8,940 nm
About the port of Tema
Tema is Ghana’s main container port, with a deep-water terminal that also serves Burkina Faso and other inland neighbours.
Tema is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
West African ports are served from Asia mainly via the Cape of Good Hope, frequently with transshipment in Singapore, Port Klang, Lomé or other regional hubs.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Tema | 8,940 | 23–27 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Tema
Where is the port of Tema?
Tema is in Ghana, on the Gulf of Guinea, in the West Africa shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Tema?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Tema is GHTEM. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Tema?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 8,940 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 23–27 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Tema?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Tema?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Tema through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.