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 4 days and Coega at 2 days 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 Ports suffer from outdated and poorly maintained equipment, inadequate infrastructure and inefficient operations which contribute to significant port congestion.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 signs operator agreement for first LNG terminal
The chair of South African port authority Transnet said the new terminal would help alleviate the country’s energy supply challenges.
https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1152539/South-Africa-signs-operator-agreement-for-first-LNG-terminal
Private sector help with Cape Town reefer power points could be a game changer
A novel partnership between the export-oriented fruit value chain, Western Cape government and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has provided a solution for the power point shortage that has long plagued the port during peak fruit export seasons.
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/Ivory Coast/Kenya– Berthing delays of 3-6 days experienced at main ports
Tanzania – Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at Dar es Salaam port.
Mozambique – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Maputo port
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 3-7 days experienced at main ports.
*Vessel productivity is strong but weather restrictions are in full effect, causing operational congestion.
USA
Charleston/Savannah/Miami/Houston/Seattle – Berthing delays of 4-8 days experienced at main ports
Other ports minimal 2-3 days berthing delays.
*New cranes are being assembled at New York
*President’s Day will impact overall port operations
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina/Brazil/Mexico – Berthing delays of 6 days on average experienced at main ports
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/France/ Netherlands – Berthing delays of 5-7 days experienced at main ports
Germany/Italy – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at main ports
UK – Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at London Gateway Port
*Vessel schedule delays continue to impact the region and extreme weather conditions delaying port operations.
*Strike action in Le Havre has caused significant operational delays.
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
India/UAE/Sri Lanka – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at main ports
*Bangladesh – Port of Chittagong remains severely congested due to recent strike action.
ASIA PACIFIC (Including Oceania)
Nansha/Shekou/Qingdao – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
*Ports not mentioned under this region experience minor berthing delays of less than 2 days*
Singapore – Berthing delay of 2 days with an expected 1-week transshipment delay due to space constraints.
Container Hygiene and Damages for Importers and Exporters:
In the fast-paced world of international trade, container hygiene and damage control are crucial factors that can impact your business’s bottom line. Contaminated or damaged containers can lead to cargo spoilage and unnecessary financial losses, Importers and Exporters are therefore required to inspect containers upon loading or destuffing.
Best Practices for Container Hygiene & Damage Prevention are suggested below:
- Inspect containers for cracks, rust, leaks, or damages at time of receipt of container- loading and destuffing
- Record and photograph overall internal and external condition of the container
- Use proper packaging and dunnage to secure cargo upon loading OR remove all dunnage/strapping from container upon unpack
- Container to be cleaned inside including the removal of tank liners
- External stickers to be removed prior to returning empty to the shipping line
Containers are inspected at the shipping line depots prior to reuse. If damage or contamination is beyond normal wear and tear, the last consignee or shipper may be held responsible for repair and cleaning costs. Record keeping assists disputing such costs.
Trump orders reciprocal tariffs on all countries
“In other words, they charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact same tax,” the president said Thursday.
https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/trump-reciprocal-tariffs/740110
Stakeholders say choked NY-NJ marine terminals creating delays at port
Strikes, storms and record volumes adding to North Europe port delays
Port of Rotterdam braces for more disruption as industrial dispute heats up
The port of Rotterdam is braced for further disruption from the ongoing stand-off between labour unions and one of its terminal operators.
https://theloadstar.com/port-of-rotterdam-braces-for-more-disruption-as-industrial-dispute-heats-up
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.
Carriers need to cut more capacity for March GRIs to hold
https://theloadstar.com/carriers-need-to-cut-more-capacity-for-march-gris-to-hold
Uncertainty Over Trump’s Vision for Gaza Could Delay Red Sea Return
Propelled by Innovation
https://www.maritime-executive.com/magazine/propelled-by-innovation
New rules for bunkering operations at South African ports
https://safety4sea.com/new-rules-for-bunkering-operations-at-south-african-ports
Exporters must gear up for growing protectionism
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/exporters-must-gear-growing-protectionism
E-filing platform streamlines customs processes
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/efiling-platform-streamlines-customs-processes-0
Ecommerce platforms cancel flights and slash capacity – market is ‘a mess’
https://theloadstar.com/ecommerce-platforms-cancel-flights-and-slash-capacity-market-is-a-mess
FBX Index February 2025: No peace of mind for shipping as industry prepares for new turmoil ahead
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