
Welcome to the latest Global Logistics Update. As of July 2024, the global port situation continues to face challenges and fluctuations due to various factors including congestion, demand surges, and geopolitical issues.
South African Ports
As of mid-2024, South Africa’s ports are experiencing significant challenges and ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and handling capacity. The country’s ports face rising pressure especially in Durban as we continue to experience berthing delays of +2 weeks and an average of 4-6 days at PE, Coega and Cape Town. We highlight in the images below, vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our major ports.

We specifically make mention of the vessel Santa Teresa which was expected to berth in Durban on the 5th July and due to erratic schedule amendments, the vessel berthed earlier 27th June with a split discharge. Shipping lines pass penalties where clearing agents have not customs cleared early enough and it has become critical that clearance is done well in advance of the normal ship line 72hr before ETA documentation deadline. Carrier schedules are still erratic, and we continue to see changes last minute especially with vessel split discharges and delayed ETA’s.
LOCAL PORT DELAYS RECORDED

DURBAN PORT DELAYS REPORTED 1 JULY

Global Port Congestion and Statistics


Red Sea Attacks, US Tariffs on China Imports Choke Asian Ports
‘’Increasing disruptions mean global buyers face the risk of another spate of price increases like the post-pandemic inflation spike which central banks are still trying to tame’’
‘’Congestion across Asian ports have hit levels not seen since the Covid-19 pandemic.’’
‘’With some ships skipping Singapore to avoid congestion, neighbouring ports are backing up as well.’’
‘’Container freight prices from Asia to the US and Europe have tripled since early 2024.’’
Rates had stabilised into April but in May “there was a significant increase in ocean freight exports of Chinese e-commerce, electric vehicles, and renewable energy-related goods,” Asia-focussed freight forwarder Dimerco said.
Rates from Asia and Singapore to the US East Coast are at their highest since September 2022, while rates into the US West Coast are highest since August 2022, freight platform Xeneta said.
“These are huge financial hits for shippers to absorb,”
Please refer to full article here: https://www.asiafinancial.com/red-sea-attacks-us-tariffs-on-china-imports-choke-asian-ports
Top 5 Global Shipping Crisis
This article explores the top five global logistics and shipping crises of 2024, providing insights and strategies essential for navigating turbulent waters.

Sourced and further reading: https://camachem.com/ru/blog/post/top-5-global-logistics-shipping-crisis
Freight News
We understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in our industry and we wish to highlight just a few articles which you might find of interest.
Return to double-digit spot rate gains looms with new FAK hikes and surcharges
MSC and CMA CGM roll out new shuttle services as intra-Asia rates soar
Forwarders ‘being squeezed’ as spot and contract rates move further apart
SA wants early extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act
Analysis: On the wrong track – Transnet’s rail freight reform
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / MSC / Transnet / WeFreight / Beacon / Joc / MSC / Maersk / Container Statistics