By CIMAG
The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade, accounts for over 80% of the world’s total merchandise by volume. It facilitates the movement of goods, raw materials, and energy resources across oceans, shaping the global economy.
For Ghana, with its extensive coastline of over 500 kilometres along the Gulf of Guinea, maritime trade is not only pivotal to its economic well-being but also integral to its international relations.
The bustling ports of Tema, Takoradi, and the newly developing ports in the western region serve as vital gateways for imports and exports, connecting Ghana to both regional and global markets. The maritime industry thus holds a strategic place in the country’s growth and development.
However, the rise of climate change poses significant challenges to this critical sector. The alarming rate at which global temperatures are rising, coupled with unpredictable weather patterns, is already beginning to disrupt the maritime landscape in Ghana.
The country is experiencing increasingly erratic sea levels, coastal erosion, and a higher frequency of extreme weather events, including torrential rains and severe storms. These environmental changes present a growing threat to port infrastructure, shipping routes, and coastal communities, exacerbating vulnerabilities that were already in place due to limited investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Port authorities, such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), are already grappling with the impacts of climate-induced threats. Rising sea levels are eroding coastlines and threatening the structural integrity of port facilities, while increased storm intensity is disrupting shipping schedules and creating unsafe navigation conditions.
Furthermore, Ghana’s extensive reliance on fossil fuels to power shipping operations and port machinery contributes significantly to the nation’s carbon footprint. In this context, there is a critical need for the maritime industry to not only adapt to the physical impacts of climate change but also to contribute actively to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and achieving environmental sustainability.
This article delves into the far-reaching impact of climate change on Ghana’s maritime sector, focusing on the challenges faced by the industry in light of these environmental shifts. It examines how changing climatic conditions are reshaping Ghana’s maritime infrastructure, operations, and long-term strategy. Rising sea levels, coastal flooding, and the intensification of storms threaten to overwhelm existing infrastructure, requiring urgent adaptation strategies that address both the immediate and future risks of climate change.
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for transformative change. The global maritime industry is increasingly moving towards decarbonisation, driven by the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050. Ghana, as part of the international community, is now at a crossroads.
The transition to green shipping practices—characterised by energy-efficient technologies, cleaner fuels, and eco-friendly port operations—can serve as a vital opportunity to mitigate climate risks, while simultaneously boosting the competitiveness of Ghana’s maritime industry. This transition not only offers the promise of environmental sustainability but also holds the potential for economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
In this article, we will explore the intersection of climate change and decarbonisation within Ghana’s maritime industry. First, we will provide an overview of the impacts of climate change on Ghana’s coastal areas and port infrastructure, drawing on empirical evidence from local studies and expert reports.
Next, we will examine the challenges and opportunities that lie in the green shipping transition, particularly focusing on policy initiatives, technological advancements, and local stakeholder engagement. Drawing from global best practices and successful case studies from other countries, we will outline potential pathways for Ghana to reduce its maritime sector’s carbon footprint while increasing its resilience to climate change.
Through this analysis, we aim to shed light on the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, shipping operators, port authorities, and international organisations to address the climate crisis and push for a greener future. By highlighting both the risks and opportunities presented by climate change, this article underscores the urgent need for sustainable development strategies in Ghana’s maritime industry.
If successfully implemented, the shift toward green shipping could not only help Ghana meet its international climate commitments but also position the nation as a leader in African maritime decarbonisation, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
As Ghana charts its course towards a more sustainable maritime future, it must balance the imperatives of climate adaptation with those of green innovation. The decisions made in the coming years will be crucial in shaping the resilience of Ghana’s maritime industry, ensuring that it remains an economic engine for the country while also contributing to the global fight against climate change.
The climate crisis and its impact on Ghana’s maritime sector
The maritime industry in Ghana, like many coastal regions, is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. These impacts are already being felt in the country’s ports and along its coastline, which is home to over 60% of the population. The combined threats of rising sea levels, more frequent flooding, and increased intensity of storms are putting pressure on maritime operations, port infrastructure, and the coastal environment.
- a) Rising sea levels and coastal erosion
The most visible and immediate threat to Ghana’s maritime sector is the rise in sea levels. The IPCC (2021) projects that global sea levels could rise between 0.29 to 0.59 meters by 2100 if current emission trajectories are maintained. In Ghana, this rise in sea level is already having severe consequences. Ports such as Tema, the country’s largest port, and Takoradi have witnessed accelerated coastal erosion, causing the loss of critical land used for port expansion and development.
Empirical evidence: Ghana’s western coastline, particularly near Takoradi, are losing as much as 2 meters of shoreline each year due to erosion. Over the past few decades, land loss along key coastal areas has increasingly threatened port infrastructure and local communities. This phenomenon is exacerbated by human activities such as sand mining, which weakens the natural defense against coastal erosion, and the ongoing effects of climate change, which increase storm surges and flooding.
For Ghana’s maritime sector, this means that port facilities are under constant threat of damage or even destruction. The Tema Port, for instance, may face regular instances of flooding, particularly during the rainy season, further complicating the logistics of shipping and transportation. These disruptions will often delay loading and unloading operations, leading to increased shipping costs and operational inefficiencies. The costs of these disruptions can be substantial, and if left unaddressed, they threaten the long-term viability of Ghana’s role as a major maritime hub in West Africa.
- b) Extreme weather events and operational disruptions
Ghana has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as coastal storms and heavy rainfall. These weather events, linked to broader climate change impacts, have occasionally disrupted port operations. For example, heavy rainfall during the rainy season can cause localized flooding, which leads to delays in vessel movements and cargo handling. Such disruptions can be particularly damaging for industries relying on the timely delivery of perishable goods, such as cocoa and fruits.”
In recent years, Ghana’s ports, particularly Tema Port, have been increasingly vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and storms. Such events disrupt port operations, delaying the unloading of goods and creating backlogs. Industries that rely on timely deliveries, such as agriculture, face particular challenges. Perishable goods, like cocoa and fruits, can be left stranded on the docks for extended periods, leading to spoilage and financial losses. While exact figures for the costs of delays vary, these disruptions often lead to significant economic losses, particularly in sectors dependent on the efficient movement of goods.
This increase in extreme weather events not only impacts operational efficiency but also raises safety concerns. As ships navigate more unpredictable waters, the risks associated with shipping increase, including damage to vessels, cargo loss, and even human casualties in extreme cases. These safety challenges call for greater investments in climate-resilient maritime infrastructure and a revaluation of current practices.
The call for green shipping and decarbonisation
While Ghana’s maritime industry faces significant risks from climate change, it also stands at the crossroads of a vital transition toward green shipping and decarbonisation. The global push to reduce carbon emissions from maritime transport is gaining momentum, driven by international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) targets. Ghana’s maritime industry, heavily reliant on fossil fuels for both shipping vessels and port operations, must reduce its carbon footprint in line with these global efforts to mitigate climate change.
- a) Decarbonising Ghana’s maritime operations
Shipping is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. In Ghana, the maritime sector remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly heavy fuel oil (HFO), for powering shipping vessels. This dependence makes the sector a major contributor to the country’s overall carbon emissions.
To address this challenge, the IMO has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. For Ghana, achieving this goal will require a shift toward cleaner energy sources, including the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and eventually, hydrogen-based technologies. The introduction of alternative fuels, alongside technological advancements in energy efficiency, will be critical for reducing emissions from shipping operations.
Empirical Evidence: According to a 2022 report by the World Bank, Ghana’s maritime industry could cut carbon emissions by up to 40% by 2030 by adopting cleaner fuels and improving fuel efficiency through the use of modern technologies. For example, vessels powered by LNG emit significantly less CO2 than those running on traditional HFO. Transitioning to LNG or even hydrogen as a fuel source would not only reduce emissions but could also lead to significant cost savings in the long term, as the price of low-carbon fuels becomes more competitive.
- b) Green Ports: Investing in sustainable infrastructure
In addition to decarbonising shipping operations, the ports themselves must transition to more sustainable practices. Ports are not only hubs for shipping activity but also consume substantial amounts of energy, much of it derived from fossil fuels. In Ghana, port machinery and equipment, including cranes, transport vehicles, and other heavy machinery, often rely on diesel or gas-powered engines. Switching to electric or hybrid machinery could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of port operations.
Moreover, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can be harnessed to power port facilities. Ghana, with its abundant sunshine, has great potential for solar energy. Installing solar panels on port buildings and warehouses could help meet some of the energy demands and reduce reliance on the national grid, which is still largely powered by fossil fuels.
International best practices: The Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe’s largest and most environmentally conscious ports, has integrated renewable energy solutions into its operations by installing large-scale solar farms and utilising wind power. Rotterdam’s efforts also include transitioning port vehicles and cranes to electric power.
Similarly, Norway has embraced green shipping technology, introducing battery-powered ferries that have reduced emissions by up to 90%. These case studies provide valuable lessons for Ghana’s ports and demonstrate that green ports are not only feasible but also economically beneficial.
Policy, stakeholder engagement, and the road ahead
To navigate these challenges and opportunities, Ghana must implement robust policies and engage key stakeholders in the green transition. The government, port authorities, shipping companies, and local communities must work together to build a sustainable, climate-resilient maritime industry.
- a) National Policies for a Green Maritime Future
The government of Ghana has already made commitments to combat climate change through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, the maritime sector is not always fully integrated into these plans.
As part of its climate strategy, Ghana must prioritise the development of policies that promote green shipping technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure. Tax incentives for green shipping companies, subsidies for sustainable infrastructure projects, and funding for research into low-carbon maritime technologies are some of the policy tools that could facilitate this transition.
International collaboration: Ghana is not alone in this journey. The country can benefit greatly from partnerships with international organisations like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the World Bank, which offer technical and financial support for climate adaptation projects. Through international cooperation, Ghana can gain access to expertise, funding, and knowledge-sharing that will accelerate the green transition in the maritime sector.
- b) Engaging local stakeholders
Local stakeholders, particularly port operators, shipping companies, and coastal communities, must be engaged in the green transition process. As the main beneficiaries of the maritime sector, their support is crucial. Engaging these stakeholders ensures that the green strategies implemented are practical and that communities are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with a greener maritime industry.
Example: The ongoing expansion of Tema Port offers a unique opportunity for Ghana to integrate green technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure into its development plans. By incorporating renewable energy sources, electric-powered port machinery, and sustainable construction practices, Tema could set a precedent for future port development in West Africa.
Conclusion
Ghana’s maritime industry is at a crossroads, facing significant challenges posed by climate change but also presented with opportunities to innovate and embrace a sustainable future. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and outdated infrastructure are threatening the resilience of the sector.
At the same time, the global push for decarbonisation offers Ghana a chance to position itself as a leader in green shipping in Africa. Through policy reforms, technological advancements, and international cooperation, Ghana can reduce the carbon footprint of its maritime sector while increasing its resilience to climate risks. The road to a green maritime future will not be without its challenges, but the long-term benefits—economic, environmental, and social—are undeniable.
References:
International Maritime Organisation (IMO). (2021). Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships: The International Maritime Organisation’s Strategy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment
Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). (2020). Ghana Ports and Harbours Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.gpha.gov.gh/
Wasey, M. (2023). Climate Change and its Impact on African Coastal Infrastructure: A Case Study of Ghana’s Ports. Journal of Maritime Studies, 15(3), 205-220.
World Bank. (2022). Adapting to Climate Change in Africa: Ghana’s Maritime Sector and the Green Shipping Transition. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/africa
Denu, A., & Amuzu, B. (2021). The Impact of Climate Change on Ghana’s Coastal Infrastructure: A Study of Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Strategies for Ports and Maritime Infrastructure. Ghana Journal of Environmental Science, 12(2), 85-102.
University of Ghana, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences. (2022). Coastal Erosion and its Impact on Port Infrastructure in Ghana: A Case Study of Takoradi and Tema Ports. University of Ghana Research Report.
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). (2020). Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Maritime Sector Involvement. Retrieved from https://www.unfccc.int
Albert Derrick Fiatui, is the Executive Director at the Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), an Advocacy, Research and Operational Policy Think- Tank, with focus on the Maritime Industry (Blue Economy) and general Ocean Governance. He is a Maritime Policy, Ocean Governance and Coastal Development Expert.
Dr. David King Boison, PhD: CEO of Knowledge Web Center, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG) and Lead Consultant for Vanuatu Trade Commission –Ghana on IAfrica and AKL Project
