Port Comparison: 2026
Lagos vs Accra
for Vessel Chartering
Which West African port hub suits your charter requirements? Draft, costs, clearance times, and commercial considerations compared.
Quick Answer
Lagos is the dominant chartering hub for crude oil exports and large-volume trades, 70% of Nigerian seaborne cargo passes through Lagos ports. Accra (Tema) offers faster clearance (3-5 days vs 5-10), lower congestion, and competitive port costs, making it attractive for regional product trades and time-sensitive operations.
Author: Pius Nobei, MBA, CEO, Calmwaters Shipping Ltd. Last updated: September 2026.
Port Specifications Compared
| Specification | Lagos (Nigeria) | Accra / Tema (Ghana) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Port | Apapa + Tin Can Island | Tema Port |
| Channel Draft | 10.5-13m (Apapa), 25m (Tin Can) | 12.5m |
| Max LOA | 200m (Apapa), 300m+ (Tin Can) | 280m |
| Berths | 21 (Apapa) + 12 (Tin Can) | 12 |
| Annual Throughput | ~50 million tonnes | ~10 million tonnes |
| Avg Clearance Time | 5-10 days | 3-5 days |
| Congestion Level | High | Moderate |
| Port Dues (7-day stay) | $15,000-$30,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Crude Oil Export | Major hub (Forcados, Bonny) | Limited |
| Best For | Crude exports, large volumes | Regional product trades |
Lagos: West Africa's Chartering Capital
Lagos handles approximately 70% of Nigeria's seaborne trade and is the commercial center for West African vessel chartering. The port complex comprises Apapa (21 berths, general cargo and petroleum) and Tin Can Island (12 berths, container and vehicle terminals).
Crude oil exports dominate Lagos chartering activity. NNPC crude oil tenders, typically 1-2 million barrel cargoes, are the primary source of voyage charter fixtures in the region. Forcados and Bonny terminals (accessible from Lagos) handle VLCC and Suezmax loadings.
The main challenge is congestion. Average vessel waiting time at Lagos Apapa can exceed 7 days during peak periods. Demurrage costs of $20,000-$35,000/day for tankers make clearance efficiency a critical commercial factor. This is where an NPA licensed agent like Calmwaters adds value, our local relationships and documentation expertise reduce port time.
Accra / Tema: The Regional Alternative
Tema Port is Ghana's primary port and handles approximately 10 million tonnes annually. It offers several advantages for certain charter types:
- Faster clearance: 3-5 days average vs 5-10 days in Lagos
- Lower congestion: More predictable scheduling
- Competitive costs: Port dues 30-50% lower than Lagos
- Deep draft: 12.5m handles Capesize vessels
- ECOWAS trade hub: Access to landlocked Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
Accra is particularly strong for regional product trades: gasoline, diesel, and LPG distributions across the Mano River Union countries. Bunker fuel supply is competitive, and the port authority has invested in modern terminal equipment.
When to Choose Lagos vs Accra
Choose Lagos if:
- You're exporting crude oil (NNPC tenders, Dangote crude imports)
- You need large-volume cargo handling (500,000+ tonnes/month)
- You're chartering VLCC or Suezmax for deep-sea routes
- You need access to Nigerian cargo principals and oil marketers
- You're operating in the offshore oil and gas sector
Choose Accra if:
- You're trading refined products (gasoline, diesel, LPG)
- You need fast clearance for time-sensitive cargoes
- You're serving landlocked West African markets (Burkina Faso, Mali)
- You want lower port costs and predictable scheduling
- You're chartering MR or Handysize product tankers
Calmwaters Coverage
Calmwaters Shipping provides NPA licensed port agency and chartering services across both Nigerian and Ghanaian ports. Our Lagos-based team handles vessel clearance at Apapa, Tin Can, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Bonny. For Ghana operations, we work with trusted partner agents at Tema and Takoradi.
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