Cabotage laws are designed to protect domestic maritime industries by restricting the transport of goods and passengers between local ports to vessels owned and operated by nationals. In Ghana, these laws are gradually gaining traction as the government aims to promote local participation in the maritime space.

For Prime Ship Management Ltd., Ghana’s evolving cabotage framework represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As a company committed to growing Africa’s maritime capacity, we see cabotage not merely as regulation, but as a call to build and empower a robust local shipping industry.

The Ghana Shipping Act, 2003 (Act 645), contains provisions encouraging Ghanaians to own, operate, and manage vessels in Ghana’s coastal trade. However, enforcement remains limited. As implementation efforts increase, local companies like PSM are uniquely positioned to lead , offering technical ship management, crew manning, and operational compliance services to vessels operating under the cabotage regime.

Ultimately, the successful application of cabotage law in Ghana will depend on collaboration between regulators, shipowners, and local service providers. At PSM, we support a phased and strategic approach to cabotage one that strengthens local capabilities without disrupting trade efficiency.