By Binta Jaiteh
Major importers in The Gambia have attributed the rising prices of essential commodities to congestion and demurrage costs of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), according to the Auditor General’s 2021 performance audit on cargo handling.
The audit report revealed that delays in accessing imported goods, coupled with additional charges, have contributed to high market prices, negatively impacting citizens with limited income.
The report highlighted that vessels often remain at anchorage for 14 to 21 days before berthing space becomes available, followed by an additional eight days of cargo dwell time due to insufficient space and inadequate port equipment.
“As confirmed by shipping lines, containerized cargo owners are sometimes billed congestion fees ranging from $300 to $400 per container. Bulk cargo owners incur demurrage charges of $5,000 to $15,000, depending on vessel size and agreements between vessel owners and importers,” the audit report stated.
Major importers, including Jah Oil and George, reported losing thousands of dollars in demurrage fees due to port congestion.
“This situation has contributed to soaring prices of essential goods in The Gambia. Congestion fees and demurrages are added to shipping costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers. With more than half of the population living below the poverty line, the rising cost of basic commodities threatens food sufficiency,” the report emphasized.
The auditors noted that there was no official standard for vessel turnaround time in the maritime industry. However, shorter turnaround times generally make ports more competitive. Vessel turnaround time—defined as the period between a vessel’s arrival and departure—includes time spent at anchorage, unloading, and loading empty containers.
The audit revealed that the Port of Banjul’s vessel turnaround time falls significantly below regional standards. Anchorage delays average 10 to 15 days, while discharging containerized cargo typically takes 2 to 3 days, and bulk cargo up to 7 days. Loading empty containers may take an additional 3 to 5 days, resulting in an average turnaround of 17 to 23 days for container vessels and 18 to 27 days for bulk vessels.
GPA management explained that some berths are only 12 meters deep, allowing vessels with a 9-meter draft, while most modern vessels require a 29-meter draft. Deepening berths through dredging is capital-intensive, and the port currently lacks the resources.
The auditors concluded that limited berth availability, inadequate modern equipment, inefficient stevedoring, and congested terminal space prevent GPA from achieving shorter turnaround times.
“The authority lacks sufficient space, equipment, and workforce to manage the increasing vessel traffic at the Port of Banjul,” the report stated.
The public has expressed concern as consignees continue to face congestion fees and demurrage charges due to port delays.
