Overview of vessel waiting times in main african ports

Legend : 🟢 Low (0-2 days) | 🟠 Medium (3-5 days) | 🔴 High (+5 days) 

Last update: May 28th 2026 

Operational Highlights :

• Tema (Ghana) is facing crane outage and terminal congestion issues, with berthing delays for window vessels now at 5–7 days. Off-window vessels remain subject to berth availability, no ad-hoc callers are accepted, and strict proforma moves are in force.

• Monrovia (Liberia): two engrossed bills intended to modernise Liberia's seaports and grant them autonomous status were recalled, following widespread criticism, worker protests, and legal objections. The bills sought to establish an independent regulatory authority and decentralize management across the Freeport of Monrovia, the Port of Buchanan, the Port of Greenville, and the Port of Harper, effectively stripping the National Port Authority of its centralized control.

• Mombasa (Kenya): Strike Damage Now Visible in Yard, The transport strike resolution on May 22 ended four days of near-zero Northern Corridor cargo evacuation. The yard density consequence is now materialising. 

• Peak Season Surcharges into East and West Africa: CMA CGM announced a second wave of PSS of USD 600 to WAF following the first one implemented on April 16, 2026. Effective June 1st, 2026, this new wave applies to short-term contracts for dry and reefer cargo from China, implementing an additional USD 600 per TEU for the West Africa Central Range (including Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Togo, and Equatorial Guinea), USD 400 per TEU for the West Africa South Range, and USD 300 per TEU for the West Africa North Range.

Disclaimer: This data is provided for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Port waiting times are estimates based on current market conditions as of the mentioned update day above, and can be influenced by weather, terminal productivity, and local labor conditions. AMS PORTS AND LOGISTICS assumes no liability for any operational or financial decisions made based on this information. For time-sensitive cargo, please consult with your shipping line or local port authority.