Welcome to the November edition of our Global Logistics Update. As global economies prepare of peak season and navigate through the seasonal shifts, our updates will cover the latest developments, port challenges and trends shaping the supply chain industry worldwide.
South African Ports
South African ports play a critical role in the logistics and the trade landscape of Africa, acting as a gateway for global shipments to and from the region. The major ports including Durban, Coega and Cape Town are vital for the transport of containerised goods, bulk commodities, and automotive parts. Each continue to experience varying degrees of challenges as summarised on a weekly basis below:
We highlight in these images vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our major ports, showing an increase outside Durban & Coega. Port congestion and delays have been reported with Durban at 14 days, Cape Town at 6 days and Coega at 4 days on average.
Transnet’s Anchorage Report 18/11/2024 for Durban – Vessels waiting to berth
South African ports have been undergoing modernization to increase their efficiency and capacity. Projects include upgrading cranes, expanding container yards, and improving digital systems for better tracking and management. However, capacity constraints and aging infrastructure are still challenges, particularly during peak times.
Port of Durban set for a revamp
The Port of Durban is getting a revamp. And the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed Zutari, a leading infrastructure and advisory firm, as the transaction advisor to validate the Island View Precinct Strategy and implementation plan for the Port of Durban. Durban.
https://durbanlocal.co.za/news/port-of-durban-set-for-a-revamp-4353d87f-58ef-4a4c-a8d7-78e01f5fd3e3
The Customs Modernisation Programme: an overview
There are several projects either in progress or scheduled for the near future. There are proposed amendments to the SAD 500 declaration in the pipeline, the National Single Window is moving forward, AEO accreditation is a priority, and e-commerce is a focused initiative. Future roll-outs will possibly allow for incomplete and provisional declarations, electronic record keeping and more relaxed warehousing procedures.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/customs-modernisation-programme-overview
Global Ports
The 2024 outlook for global ports shows a mix of optimism and challenges, largely shaped by economic recovery, energy transition initiatives, and evolving geopolitical tensions. Global trade volumes are stabilizing, and container throughput is projected to grow moderately by around 4.1% after past fluctuations. Key drivers include ongoing demand in the Asia-Pacific region and resilience in North American and European markets, though some demand softness remains due to lower manufacturing output in key sectors.
Air Freight: there has been an increase in peak season volumes, resulting in lengthened transit times, increased congestion, and in some cases, higher freight rates. We expect this trend to continue as we head towards December.
Sea Freight: Adverse Rain and Wind resulted in main port disruptions. There has been a surge in peak season volumes. Pre-booking orders well in advance of sailing date is strongly recommended.
Port Updates:
We summarise in the below the most severe berthing delays in various global regions. Where ports are not listed, delays have been recorded less than 3 days.
Mauritius: Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Port Louis
Namibia: Berthing delays of 7 days experienced at Walvis Bay
Tanzania: Berthing delays of 8 days experienced at Dar Es Salaam. High levels of congestion continue.
Montreal and Vancouver: Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at these ports.
USA:
New York / New Jersey / Charleston / Savannah / Houston / Oakland: Berthing delays of 3-4 days
Miami / Seattle: Berthing delays of 6 days experienced
Latam:
Argentina: Berthing delays of 10 days experienced at Buenos Aires port
Brazil / Mexico: Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports.
North West / UK / Mediterranean:
Germany: Berthing delays of 6 days experienced at Hamburg port
UK: Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at London Gateway port
Netherlands / Belgium / France: Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports.
Indian & Middle East:
India / UAE / Sri Lanka: Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports
Containers trans shipping in Colombo have expected delays of 2-3 weeks.
APAC:
Containers trans shipping in Tanjung Pelepas have expected delays of 2 weeks.
Ningbo / Shanghai / Xiamen: Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports
Canada’s ports close as strike hits
Canada’s port operations have ground to a standstill after hundreds of dockworkers downed tools on Monday, badly affecting US-bound trade ahead of the festive season.
The country’s biggest ports, the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia, have closed with no sign of progress in negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 and the BC Maritime Employers Association, to break the deadlock.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/canadas-ports-close-strike-hits-0
The state of maritime supply-chain threats
Maritime supply chains remain the backbone of the global economy. Eighty percent of global trade by volume, and over seventy percent by value, is transported by sea. Maritime supply chain security is therefore paramount to prosperity worldwide, which means that monitoring threats is critical. This state of global maritime supply chains primer aims to identify and assess current and potential key threats to seaborne trade.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/11/13/the-state-of-maritime-supply-chain-threats/
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.
Concern over container terminal war
https://sundayworld.co.za/news/concern-over-container-terminal-war
Air cargo peak? What peak? But we’re ‘very, very busy’, say carriers
https://theloadstar.com/air-cargo-peak-what-peak-but-were-very-very-busy-say-carriers
Truck movement stops as protestors take to the streets in Ressano
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/truck-movement-stops-protestors-take-streets-ressano
African capacity taking off
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/african-capacity-taking-0
Chinese Shipyards gain even more market share
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/chinese-shipyards-gain-even-more-market-share
Maersk Tankers installs suction sail technology
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/maersk-tankers-installs-suction-sail-technology
Signal: Potential implications on the freight industry following 2024 US Election
Alliance reshuffle forces ONE to change course, launching ‘substitute services
https://theloadstar.com/alliance-reshuffle-forces-one-to-change-course-launching-substitute-services
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Green Worldwide / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics / Flexport / SACO