The Participation of Liner Shipping Agencies In Enhancing Container Trade Through The Port Of Tema

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to study the participation of Liner Shipping Agencies in enhancing the container trade through the Port of Tema, ascertain their challenges thereof and to discuss how best Shipping Lines/Agencies can be actively involved in enhancing container trade through the Port of Tema. Using qualitative research methods and the research instruments of questionnaires and personal interviews, Shipping Lines/Agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders and customs were sampled for the primary data. The study revealed amongst others that the Shipping Lines/Agencies attempt to contribute to the enhancement of container trade through the Port of Tema by making some strategic investment into both infrastructural and superstructural needs of the Port of Tema but are constrained by lack of investment interest of their principals and high port and terminal charges. However, it was also brought to light that the ability to sustain the agency contract between the Liner Agencies and their principals is dependent on the collective efforts of all the stakeholders of the container trade in enhancing it . The study recommended amongst others that there is the need for all the Shipping Lines/Agencies operating in the Port of Tema to form a club to pool resources together for strategic investment into key areas such as infrastructure and superstructure to help enhance the trade in containers as well as overcome the seasonal congestion situations at the port.