Ghana Port Container Tractor Demand 2025 – Tema & Takoradi Enter a High-Growth Phase

A full report on Ghana’s rising demand for container tractors at Tema and Takoradi ports in 2025. Port congestion, rising TEU throughput, fleet shortages, and the shift toward modern drayage trucks.

📅 Published on 2025-12-17 | ✍️ Semi Trailer News Logistics Desk

Image: Drayage trucks operating between Tema/Takoradi ports and inland depots

Ghana’s port system is entering one of its busiest periods in history. In 2025, container throughput at Tema Port and Takoradi Port is rising sharply, creating unprecedented demand for container tractors (yard trucks/drayage trucks) to move containers between terminals, inland depots, ICDs, and logistics hubs.

Industry assessments indicate that Ghana may face a 30–45% increase in required container tractors to maintain efficient port-to-hinterland flow, especially during peak season.

1️⃣ Why Tema & Takoradi Are Under Pressure

Several structural reasons are behind the surge in container tractor demand:

• Massive TEU growth after port expansion at Tema
• New industrial zones requiring fast container evacuation
• Transit cargo for West African neighbors increasing
• Off-dock terminals creating high shuttle frequency

Tema Port, managed by GPHA (Tema Harbour), is Ghana’s primary container gateway. Takoradi is the secondary port, handling mixed cargo and rising container volumes, according to Takoradi Harbour records.

2️⃣ Fleet Shortages Are Creating a Drayage Bottleneck

Port users report significant shortages in:

• 4×2 and 6×4 container tractors
• Container chassis trailers with twist-locks
• Drivers trained in port drayage operations

The drayage cycle (port → depot → port) requires extremely fast turnaround. Older trucks are unable to meet duty-cycle demands, resulting in:

• longer queues at gates
• increased demurrage charges
• higher maintenance costs

3️⃣ What Types of Trucks Are Ghanaian Operators Buying?

Current market demand in 2025 favours:

• Used European 4×2 / 6×2 tractors for short-haul intra-city drayage
• Chinese 6×4 tractors (value-driven, easy availability)
• Robust 6×4 trucks for damaged road conditions leading to inland depots

Off-dock container yards (spin-off depots around Tema) are expanding, requiring 24/7 drayage cycles.

4️⃣ Key Industry Challenges in 2025

• Driver shortages during peak hours
• Lack of structured maintenance networks for port-specific tractors
• Poor road conditions towards inland depots (especially at night)
• Inconsistent container turnaround speed due to equipment shortages

The combination of these issues amplifies the demand for reliable port tractors.

5️⃣ 2026 Outlook: Demand Will Continue Increasing

Based on throughput expansion projections:

• Container tractor demand may grow another 25–35%
• Second-hand imports will remain dominant
• Port operators may push for standardized fleet specifications
• Chassis trailers with improved braking & suspension systems will rise

🧮 Quick Calculator – How Many Tractors Does a Port Need?

🏁 Conclusion

Ghana’s rapid port growth is placing unprecedented pressure on the drayage ecosystem. Tema and Takoradi together are generating a clear market signal: Ghana urgently needs modern container tractors, better maintenance networks, and higher-capacity trailer fleets.

With TEU volume rising annually, fleet operators that invest early in durable 4×2/6×4 tractors and container chassis will be in a strong position through 2026–2028.

---

---

🔗 Related Articles