Japan → Tema: service and transit time
Tema is the main port of Ghana, serving as the outer port for the capital Accra. It is connected to Japan by West Africa services that tranship in Europe or the Middle East. Transit is around 45–60 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.
Services to Tema mostly involve a transhipment. Cargo can sit at the transhipment port, which widens the range of transit times, but we compare several routings and present the best available at that moment. If your deadline is tight, we can look for a routing optimised for speed.
| Port of loading | Main Japanese ports (Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe and others) |
|---|---|
| Port of discharge | Tema (GHTEM) / Ghana, Africa |
| Transit time (guide) | 45–60 daysDelays can occur |
| Containers | 40HCFCLSOC |
Transit times are a guide for representative services and are not guaranteed. They differ by carrier and service, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
40HC ocean freight rates to Tema and what moves them
Few carriers and services serve Africa, so the scarcity of space feeds directly into rates. In peak season securing space at all can be difficult, and booking early tends to keep the cost down.
We compare rates from multiple carriers side by side and present the best available at that moment. Card payment is supported, so you can book without straining your cash flow.
Ports, customs and inland transport for Ghana
Ghana may require pre-shipment inspection under local rules. Requirements differ by commodity, so please confirm the local import requirements in advance.
We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to Ghana. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.
SOC container also available
For Africa, and especially landlocked destinations, there is often nowhere to return the container and detention builds up. This is where the advantage of SOC containers, which need no return, is greatest.
Other routes in Africa
We also handle other routes to Africa. If the destination is not yet fixed, we will compare options on the all-in cost including the inland leg.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japan to Tema take?
45–60 days is the guide. It varies with carrier schedules and peak-season congestion, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
Can you carry through to Accra?
Yes. Tema is the outer port for Accra and close by, so delivery into the city can be arranged.
Are there formalities to complete in advance for Ghana?
Procedures under local rules, such as pre-shipment inspection, may be required. Requirements differ by commodity, so please confirm the local import requirements in advance.
Should I use Tema or Dakar?
It depends on the final destination. Even within West Africa, a different country means separate customs clearance, so discharging at the port in the destination country is the basic approach.
What is the maximum payload of a 40HC?
Internal capacity is roughly 76 cubic metres and the maximum payload is up to 26.5 tonnes (this can differ by carrier and equipment). Send us your cargo details and we will advise the right container and an estimate.
Are quotes free? How can I pay?
Quotes are free. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express / JCB). Once you have an account you can quote, book and manage shipments from My Page.
Japan to Tema 40HC, at today’s best rate
Rates compared across carriers, quote to booking online. Creating an account is free.
Create a free account / get a quote