Welcome to our February edition of the Global Logistics Update, your essential guide to staying ahead in the dynamic world of international trade. From port congestion updates and emerging market trends to regulatory changes and industry insights, we will provide you with information needed to navigate the complexities of global logistics and optimize your company supply chain.
South African Ports
South African ports are integral to our economy, facilitating the movement of goods domestically and internationally, acting as key hubs across Southern Africa. Managed by Transnet National Ports Authority, these ports support a variety of cargo types, including bulk commodities, containers, liquid fuels, and automotive products. The primary ports include Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Port of East London and Saldanha Bay, each with varying degrees of challenges and advancements. We expand on our three main ports as summarised on a weekly basis below:
We highlight in these images vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our 3 main ports. Port congestion and delays have been reported with Durban at 6 days, Cape Town at 3 days and Coega at 1 day on average.
South African ports, particularly the major ones like Durban and Cape Town, are currently grappling with a multitude of challenges that are impacting their efficiency and overall performance. Ports suffer from outdated and poorly maintained equipment, inadequate infrastructure and inefficient operations which contribute to significant port congestion. The South African government and port authorities are taking steps to address these issues, including investing into infrastructure upgrades.
South Africa’s ports are falling behind – and the economy will pay the price
Once a dominant player in Southern African logistics, South Africa now risks ceding its position to neighbouring countries that are modernising their port infrastructure through private investment.
Sona: SA committed to R940bn infrastructure revamp
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the Government of National Unity’s commitment to economic growth and improving South Africa’s ports, rail and roads, saying it will spend R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sona-sa-committed-r940bn-infrastructure-revamp
Global Ports
Port Updates:
Ports play an important role in maintaining the effectiveness of maritime logistics. When ports encounter congestion, strikes or natural disasters, the maritime container network might be significantly affected. Global port congestion is a complex issue, and we therefore only review basic routing, infrastructure demands and vessel berthing delays.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Angola/Kenya/Tanzania – Berthing delays of 4-7 days experienced at main ports
Mauritius – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Port Louis
*Ports not mentioned under this region experience minor berthing delays of less than 2 days*
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
Montreal/Toronto/Vancouver – Berthing delays of 4-7 days experienced at main ports
USA
Charleston/Savannah/Miami/Oakland/Seattle – Berthing delays of 5-9 days experienced at main ports
New York/New Jersey/Norfolk/Los Angeles/Houston – Berthing delays of 3-4 days experienced at main ports
Other ports minimal 2 days berthing delays.
*A snowstorm in Savannah had major impact on vessel operations
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina/Brazil/Mexico – Berthing delays of 2-4 days experienced at main ports
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/France/Germany/Italy/Netherlands – Berthing delays of 4-6 days experienced at main ports
UK – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at London Gateway Port
*Vessel schedule delays continue to impact the region and extreme weather conditions delaying port operations.
* Ongoing strikes in Le Havre are expected to cause significant port operations
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
India/UAE/Sri Lanka – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at main ports
ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)
*Space constraints are anticipated after Chinese New Year with blank sailings from week 6. Ports are currently facing congestion. The worst affected Ports includes Shanghai, Tokyo, Ningbo, Busan and Manila, although the lengths of delays varies by container line.
Nansha/Shekou/Shanghai – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
Singapore – Berthing delay of 2 days with an expected 1-2 week transshipment delay.
Ocean Freight Market Report – January 2025
Full global review here: https://www.bertling.com/news-pool/market/ocean-freight-market-report-january-2025/
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.
Throughput at Shanghai surges ahead of ‘Trump tariffs’
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/throughput-shanghai-surges-ahead-trump-tariffs
More blanked sailings: ‘Carriers will not sit on their hands while rates collapse’
State of Sars’ EDI platform is a concern
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/state-sars-edi-platform-concern-0
Ramaphosa’s hollow promises ‘unconvincing’ says Outa
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/ramaphosas-hollow-promises-unconvincing-says-outa
India eyes dedicated container line to wean shippers off foreign carriers
https://theloadstar.com/india-eyes-dedicated-container-line-to-wean-shippers-off-foreign-carriers
Auto execs call for government intervention against Chinese imports
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/auto-execs-call-government-intervention-against-chinese-imports
Maritime Security Update: Key Global Developments
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/maritime-security-update-key-global-developments/
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics / Flexport / SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews/ Maritime Executive / GCaptain/ Linerlytica/ DHL