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
South African ports still experience significant congestion issues, leading to severe delays and economic impacts. Week 28 brought about further challenges with adverse weather conditions throughout coastal areas as well as Durban equipment breakdowns. Strong winds, high waves and heavy rain impacted Cape Town and PE with port closure over several days and two vessels were unable to dock. Durban experienced heavy winds reported up to 90km/hr also causing standby in operations and landside congestion with truckers queuing for hours only to be turned away to alleviate congestion. Appointment slots were severely constrained due to high volume of containers moving through Durban terminals and transporters will be navigating the delays into the week ahead.
The port of Durban remains affected with delays reported from 11-18 days, Cape Town 6-10 days and Coega 3-7 days on average. We highlight in the images below, vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our major ports.
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
Global Port Congestion and Statistics
TOP 10 BUSIEST PORTS IN THE WORLD
The world’s ports are the bustling epicentres of global trade, facilitating the movement of billions of tons of goods annually. They are not just transit points but also key drivers of economic activity.
- Port of Shanghai, China – Busiest Container Port in the World – 47.28 Million TEUs
- Port of Singapore – Largest Seaport in the World – 37.29 Million TEUs
- Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China – 33.36 Million TEUs
- Port of Shenzhen, China – 30.04 Million TEUs
- Port of Qingdao, China – 25.66 Million TEUs
- Port of Quangzhou, China – 24.6 Million TEUs
- Port of Busan, South Korea – 22.07 Million TEUs
- Port of Tianjin, China – 21.03 Million TEUs
- Port of Los Angeles/ Long Beach, USA – 19.04 Million TEUs
- Port of Hong Kong, China – 16.58 Million TEUs
These top 10 ports, bustling with activity and innovation, are more than just transit points; they are vital cogs in the global trade machine. Their continued expansion and adaptation to new technologies underscore their critical role in shaping the future of international logistics and trade.
https://teccontainersolutions.com/2024/03/busiest-ports-in-the-world/
African and Indian Ocean Islands – Port updates
Angola – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Luanda port
Nigeria – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Apapa port
Ivory Coast – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Tema port
Kenya – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Mombasa port
Tanzania – Berthing delays of 9 days experienced at Dar es Salaam port
Mauritius – Berthing delay of 1 day experienced at Port Louis
Mozambique – Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at Maputo port
Namibia – Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at Walvis Bay port
Oceania – Port updates
Singapore – Berthing delays of 2 days being experienced at this port. Delays experienced due to congestion and transhipment delays of up to 3-4 weeks.
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.
South African storms delay cape diverted container ships
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/south-african-storms-delay-cape-diverted-container-ships
Transnet gradually resumes port operations
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/transnet-gradually-resumes-port-operations
Airfreight rates ex-Asia ‘surprisingly strong’ through traditionally low period
https://theloadstar.com/airfreight-rates-ex-asia-surprisingly-strong-through-traditionally-low-period/
All eyes on minister overseeing Transnet in Ramaphosa’s office
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/all-eyes-minister-overseeing-transnet-ramaphosas-office
New container volume high provokes major concerns over peak season
https://theloadstar.com/new-container-volume-high-provokes-major-concerns-over-peak-season/
South-east Asia transhipment call omissions a blow to India’s exporters
https://theloadstar.com/south-east-asia-transhipment-call-omissions-a-blow-to-indias-exporters/
Singapore port operator says vessel waiting time reduced to two days
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports/singapore-port-operator-says-vessel-waiting-time-reduced-two-days
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / MSC / Transnet / WeFreight / Beacon / Joc / MSC / Maersk / Container Statistics / DHL Market Update / CS News