West African Ports Crack Down on Stowaways
Port authorities in West Africa are intensifying their crackdown on stowaway incidents, imposing hefty fines and demanding repatriation costs from shipping companies. This comes as the region has been identified as a significant global hotspot for stowaway embarkations, with nearly 60% of all such incidents occurring at African ports between 2019 and 2023, according to data from the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Rising Costs and Heavy Penalties
The financial burden on shipping companies is escalating rapidly. The China P&I Club has reported that port authorities in many West African nations require shipowners to cover all costs associated with repatriating stowaways. These costs can include fines, visa and ticket fees, expenses for escort personnel, and medical treatment. In some cases, port authorities demand prepayment of these charges before allowing stowaways to disembark, or they may detain vessels until payment is made.
The IGP&I indicates that the average cost of a stowaway incident has surged to nearly $30,000, with about $10,000 attributed to each stowaway. Shipowners often face additional expenses that are not covered by P&I Clubs, leading to significant financial strain. A recent circular from the BUDD Group highlighted specific fines at Ghanaian ports, where shipping companies are charged $5,000 for disembarking a non-Ghanaian stowaway, along with an additional $5,000 fine from the Ghana Immigration Service, totaling $10,000 per stowaway.
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The situation becomes even more complex when multiple stowaways are involved, as the costs for accommodation, security, and repatriation arrangements can escalate dramatically. A notable case in Gabon saw fines totaling $80,000 imposed on a shipowner by various authorities, with the vessel only permitted to sail after all repatriation costs were prepaid.
Industry Response and Ongoing Challenges
In Nigeria, the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has voiced strong criticism against the $2,000 fine imposed for each stowaway found onboard vessels by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). SAN Chairman Boma Alabi described this policy as punitive and unfair, arguing that shipping companies are victims of ongoing security breaches at Nigerian ports. He noted that approximately 15 ships dock in Nigeria each year, with an average of three stowaways apprehended weekly.
Data from Africa Risk Compliance (ARC) Limited further underscores the financial implications of managing stowaways in the Gulf of Guinea region. ARC estimates that the average cost per incident is around $17,100, with each stowaway costing about $6,600. The combination of rising costs and stringent penalties is creating a challenging environment for shipping companies operating in West African waters, as they grapple with the complexities of stowaway management and the associated financial risks.
